Ticket No. 9672 · Chapter
Chapter XX explained
Ole Kamp returns to Christiania after surviving the shipwreck of the Viking, having been rescued by the Danish brig Genius.
What happens
Ole Kamp returns to Christiania after surviving the shipwreck of the Viking, having been rescued by the Danish brig Genius. Sylvius Hogg reunites him with Hulda and reveals that the lottery ticket has been repurchased from Sandgoist. Ticket No. 9672 wins the grand prize of one hundred thousand marks. Ole and Hulda marry at Dal, with Sylvius Hogg dancing at the wedding. Joel and Siegfrid marry a few weeks later.
Themes in this chapter
Gratitude and Repayment
Sylvius Hogg insists he is still under obligation to Dame Hansen's children, refusing repayment for the lottery ticket and framing it as a dowry.
Love and Longing
Ole's farewell message in the bottle, addressed to Hulda, is preserved and framed; their reunion and wedding fulfill the longing expressed throughout the story.
Hope and Resilience
Ole's survival against all odds, the rescue by the Genius, and the lottery win demonstrate the triumph of hope and resilience over despair.
Characters to notice
- Ole Kamp
Returns to Christiania after surviving the shipwreck of the Viking; rescued by the brig Genius; marries Hulda.
- Hulda Hansen
Reunited with Ole; regains consciousness upon his return; marries Ole at Dal.
- Sylvius Hogg
Arranges Ole's secret return; repurchases the lottery ticket from Sandgoist; refuses repayment; dances at the wedding.
- Joel Hansen
Embraces Ole upon his return; marries Siegfrid Helmboe a few weeks after Ole and Hulda's wedding.
- Siegfrid Helmboe
Serves as bridesmaid; marries Joel Hansen.
- Dame Hansen
No longer haunted by fear of Sandgoist; rejoices in the family's happiness.
Key passages
“What happiness now reigned in this household which had been so cruelly tried! It was undoubtedly due in some measure, at least, to the efforts of Sylvius Hogg; but he would not admit it, and always declared: 'No, no; it is I who am still under obligations to Dame Hansen’s children.'”
The household that had endured so much was now filled with joy, largely thanks to Sylvius Hogg, though he humbly insisted he was the one indebted to the Hansen family.
Highlights Sylvius Hogg's humility and the theme of gratitude and repayment.
“And now it seemed almost as if Professor Sylvius Hogg had been inspired of Heaven, certainly much more so than Sandgoist, who was strongly tempted to dash his brains out against the wall when he learned the result of the drawing.”
Sylvius Hogg appeared divinely guided, unlike Sandgoist, who was furious and suicidal upon learning the ticket he sold had won the grand prize.
Contrasts Hogg's selflessness with Sandgoist's greed and regret.
“By Saint Olaf! how beautiful Hulda looked under her bridal crown when she left the little chapel at Dal, four days afterward, leaning on her husband’s arm.”
Hulda was stunning in her bridal crown as she left the chapel at Dal on her husband's arm, just four days after Ole's return.
Celebrates the wedding and the happy resolution of the story.