Kristin Lavransdatter Essay
Sigrid Undset's greatest contribution to literature is her trilogy, Kristin Lavransdatter. As the trilogy title suggests, Undset's novels center around the life of Kristin Lavransdatter, a beautiful maiden and the daughter of a well-respected and affluent farmer, Lavrans Borgulfson. Kristin experiences emotional and spiritual crisis with herself and her family after she begins an intimate relationship with Erlend Nikalausson, the rebel knight. After fifteen tumultuous years of marriage together, and seven sons, Erlend's political escapades cause him to be arrested for high treason against Magnus, the king of Norway. In the midst of Kristin and Erlend's dramatic life, there stands Simon Andresson. Simon Andresson's display of honor in Kristin Lavransdatter sheds light on the human struggle for goodness and righteousness in life by exposing the personal anguish and shame of one soul trying to attain his own version of happiness in the world. The
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first mention of Simon Andresson occurs when Lavrans meets with Andres Gudmundson, Simon's father, to agree to fifteen-year-old Kristin and twenty-year-old Simon's betrothal (KL VI 61). With a handshake, Lavrans and Andres establish the union between their children, thereby closing the property deal the two fathers had arranged earlier (KL VI 21). Undset's omniscient narrator reveals that Simon was "very pleased (KL VI 61)" with the proceedings between the two honorable families. Simon's life was unfolding just as he, and his father, had anticipated. Lavrans and Ragnfrid, Lavrans's his wife, respected Simon (KL VI 62) and Kristin seemed to grow fond of her betrothed (KL VI 62) each time he traveled to Jourungaard. However, Simon's seemingly picturesque life unravels before him when Kristin reveals that she has given her honor and love to Erlend Nikulausson during her stay at Nonnesseter Abbey (KL VI 178). Simon is obviously hurt by the betrayal. Kristin utters, "You wouldn't want me now, anyway (KL VI 180)." Simon replies by curtly saying, "If you think otherwise, you had better think again (KL VI 180)." The last episode involving Kristin and Simon as betrothed occurred at Brynhild Fluga's "alehouse." Erlend asks Ulv, his servant, to fetch and bring Kristen to the hostel (KL VI 182). Before Kristin and Erlend have a chance to drink together, Simon pounds furiously on the door. Simon asserts his right as Kristin present-betrothed saying, " until her father can come to get her. Until then I intend to defend with both the point and the edge of my sword as much of her honor as can be protected- in the judgment of other people (KL VI 186)." Simon's most revealing statement occurs when he speaks to Kristin that "It's not for your sake I'm doing this (KL VI 186)." He even goes as far as have Kristin swear that Lavrans never know of the sin his daughter committed (KL VI 187). No doubt that for a man of Simon's position, the humiliating loss of his betrothed to such a disreputable man was cause enough to think solely of his own unfortunate fate. During these occurrences, however, Simon shows grace under unimaginable circumstances. His thoughts revolve around his father and Lavrans. He understands that now all of the property talks and honorable lineage guarantees made between the families over the last two years are lost. Concern for the protection of Lavrans ideologies about Kristin are also on Simon's mind. Since he has known Lavrans, Simon's respect and admiration for him has only grown. Simon knows that Simon would be destroyed by the knowledge of Kristin sinful conduct at Brynhild Fluga's residence. Saving Lavrans from heartache and embarrassment over Kristin, Simon tells Lavrans and his father only the fact that Kristin has decided that she has set her heart on another man (KL VI 192). The second stage of Simon's life takes a toll for the worst when he becomes involved with his second wife, Fru Halfrid (KL VII 207).
Enchanted by Halfrid's beauty, gentleness, and loveliness, Simon is pleased to have such a high-class wife. The narrator, however, tells how Simon eventually felt about his marriage: "Simon could never [imagine] that he would not be happy with such a wife as he had now won in the dark gloom of the night his aversion to her stripped him of all youth and vigor. She was sickly, her breath was tainted, and her caresses plagued him (KL VII 208)." This unhappiness leads to him laying with one of Halfrid's maids causing the birth of his illegitimate daughter, Arngjerd. He eventually grew to love the unwanted Arnejerd, and was left a widower when Halfrid died one day after their baby boy was born. Simon returned home to Dyfrin where he stayed until his father passed away. After the Darre inheritances were settled, Simon moved to Formo with his "seduced sister and a paramour's child (KL VII
213)." Simon's decision to go "outside the traditions of his family (KL VII 207)" when he married Fru Halfrid were the direct cause of his struggles with Kristin. As Undset very simply says, "He had been faced with something he had never imagined could happen in this world- not between honorable people of good family, and not in these times. Blinded and confused, he had staggered his way out of the betrothal, although his demeanor had been cool and calm and steady as he talked over these matters with his father and hers (KL VII 207)." Simon was simply traumatized by Kristin's carelessness and thoughtlessness. He was brought up in a family where it was customary for the parents to make decisions for the betterment of their children. For such a seemingly innocent maiden to act in such a brass manner was unheard of for Simon. He said so himself that By Satan, he would never trust a maiden again." Simon loses all hope in the pure and innocent; consequently, he loses all hope in his goodness and virtue. Simon's greatest outpouring of compassion and honor occurs during Erlend's arrest for high treason against King Magnus. Simon traveled to Kristin after he had heard "how she had been faring for the last three days (KL VII 348)." Simon volunteers his efforts to free Erlend from his prison and sentence. His empathy of Kristin's pain swells as he looks at how "young her face became, soft and full of anguished tenderness (KL VII 350)." When Simon has an opportunity to speak with Erlend alone in his jail, Simon recalls how, over Lavrans deathbed, they "promised each other and [Lavrans] that all [their] days [they] would stand together as brothers (KL VII 352)." Simon willingly sets aside his past judgments against Erlend in these dire times. Simon also sacrifices time with his newborn son with Ramborg Lavransdatter. He feels a sense of contentment when Kristin acknowledges how much Simon must "long to see his son (KL VII 372)." Simon tells Kristin, " God will perhaps grant the boy better health if I can be patient and rein in my longing to see him until I've helped Erlend and you a little more in this matter (KL VII 372)." When Simon discovers that King Magnus has allowed Frenchmen to torture Erlend in order to force a confession of the names of his accomplices (KL VII 380), Simon is outraged and travels yet again to seek Sir Erling's assistance. At Sir Erling's residence, Simon experiences one of the most shameful scenes of his life. In hopes of stirring up Sir Erling's compassionate side, Simon brought to the surface the secret relationship between Sir Erling and Fru Halfrid (KL VII 390). As Simon says to Erling: "Perhaps if you remembered the woman who endured all those terrible years, with no solace or help except form God alone, then you might be persuaded to help many people- because you can (KL VII 390)!" Simon declares a humiliating confession when he reveals that he is helping the man who stole Kristin away from him (KL VII 392). Simon's startling affirmation convinces Sir Erling to help in freeing Erlend. Simon has surrendered all of his pride and dignity to Sir Erling in the hopes of gaining hope for Kristin and Erlend. At the palace of King Magnus, Simon demonstrates great courage when he tells the king that if he continues to torture noblemen, which is against Norway laws, then "[Simon] asks that [King Magnus] release [him] from [his] service (KL VII 397)." Simon takes his gloves from his belt and holds them in his hands (KL VII 397). Standing up to the king was certainly something a nobleman such as Simon never imagined he would have to do. He realized, however, that standing for righteousness was far more noble then standing behind an atrocious king. When Erlend is set free and reunited with Kristin, Simon feels disgruntled over how little Kristin seems to have changed at the end of all the recent strife. He realizes that he was being noble, in part, because of his still-present feelings for Kristin. Simon is outraged when Erlend makes a comment about Simon "having his widow (KL VII 402)" if he had been executed. He coolly tells Erlend that they "must try to pretend it was never said, for the sake of [their] wives (KL VII 403)." This scene with Simon reveals so much about his character. Obviously, Simon still has strong feelings for Kristin. By helping Erlend gain his freedom, Simon destroys all chance of having Kristin. Simon forfeits his own happiness, because he knows in his heart that the noble thing to do is reunite Kristin with the man she loves, Erlend Nikulausson. Simon's longing to attain contentment in his life (KL VIII 60) faces hardship when Kristin and Erlend are no longer "debtors (KL VIII 104)" to him. Simon testifies that "he knew that in some way he had always been able to forgive his debtors. It seemed much harder to forgive anyone who had bound a debt around his neck (KL VIII 104)." His debts to Kristin involve her desperate reach for pagan rituals in order to save the life of Simon's son, Andres (KL VIII 40). Simon owes Erlend his life when Erlend saves him from a brawl which erupts during a meeting with local farmers about a portion of farmland belonging to Lavrans (KL VIII 74-81). Because "they were [now] even, [Simon] felt all the past resentments . rip open and come to life (KL VIII 104)." Simon's feelings toward Kristin are more difficult for Simon to control as dreams of Kristin "torment (KL VIII 64)" him during the night (KL VIII 104) and physical and emotional longings overcome him during the day (KL VIII 92). Even though Simon is "quite content with his marriage (KL VIII 53)," his desire for the life he believes could be possible with Kristin prevents Simon's complete happiness. A passage reflects quite well the fantasy Simon creates around his feelings for Kristin when Simon states a number of if phrases about Kristin: "if [Simon] had been her husband if she had lived with his honorable goodwill (KL VIII 105)." Being a religious man, however, Simon knows that "his love [is] sinful, and that is why things stood as they did and why he was unhappy (KL VIII 106)." Simon has his chance to reveal his true feelings to Kristin on his deathbed. In an attempt to break up a fight between drunken fur peddlers, Simon receives a knife wound in his right forearm (KL VIII 192). The cut becomes infected, and Simon desperately wishes "to go home because he knows that he [is] fated to die (KL VIII 195). Kristin tends to his wound since she is the most capable woman around the parish. While Simon is lying in his bed, all his thoughts are of when he is going to disclose his love for Kristin (KL VIII 200). Simon, however, takes on the task of Kristin's counselor and admonishes her for not being able to forgive her husband and sparing her sons all the trouble of not having a father (KL VIII 204). It seems that Simon cannot escape from being Kristin's rock of wisdom even in his dying moments. His illusion of a life full of passion with Kristin shatters when she says that she would have taken a knife into their bridal bed had they wed each other (KL VIII 204).
Simon passes without uttering the words of love he has so longed to speak to Kristin. He dies in peace, however, because he realizes that sacrificing his want to declare his love for Kristin will save her much grief after he is gone.
Simon Andresson's struggles with his definition of honor and belief in goodness in Kristin Lavransdatter are a powerful testimony to the human spirit. His emotional and spiritual journey begins with the ideology that "noble" families have no faults or hidden secrets. When the curtain falls on this idea, Simon goes through a period of disorder and misery. Then Simon reacquaints himself with the good people of his younger days, Lavrans Borgulfson, and discovers that life is salvageable even after apparently hopeless episodes. Simon continues to undergo emotional strife as he struggles to appreciate his blessings (a beautiful wife, healthy children, and good social standing) and combat his "sinful (KL VIII 64)" desire for another man's wife. When Simon dies at the age of "forty-two winters (KL VIII 207)," he leaves behind him a good reputation; he receives his last rites; and he dies performing a noble act of sacrifice. Simon Andresson departs a happy man.
Kristin Lavransdatter: The Wreath by Sigrid Undset translated by Tiina Nunnally
Penguin Twentieth-Century Classics
Kristin Lavransdatter: The Wife by Sigrid Undset translated by Tiina Nunnally
Penguin Classics
Kristin Lavransdatter: The Cross by Sigrid Undset translated by Tiina Nunnally
Penguin Classics
first mention of Simon Andresson occurs when Lavrans meets with Andres Gudmundson, Simon's father, to agree to fifteen-year-old Kristin and twenty-year-old Simon's betrothal (KL VI 61). With a handshake, Lavrans and Andres establish the union between their children, thereby closing the property deal the two fathers had arranged earlier (KL VI 21). Undset's omniscient narrator reveals that Simon was "very pleased (KL VI 61)" with the proceedings between the two honorable families. Simon's life was unfolding just as he, and his father, had anticipated. Lavrans and Ragnfrid, Lavrans's his wife, respected Simon (KL VI 62) and Kristin seemed to grow fond of her betrothed (KL VI 62) each time he traveled to Jourungaard. However, Simon's seemingly picturesque life unravels before him when Kristin reveals that she has given her honor and love to Erlend Nikulausson during her stay at Nonnesseter Abbey (KL VI 178). Simon is obviously hurt by the betrayal. Kristin utters, "You wouldn't want me now, anyway (KL VI 180)." Simon replies by curtly saying, "If you think otherwise, you had better think again (KL VI 180)." The last episode involving Kristin and Simon as betrothed occurred at Brynhild Fluga's "alehouse." Erlend asks Ulv, his servant, to fetch and bring Kristen to the hostel (KL VI 182). Before Kristin and Erlend have a chance to drink together, Simon pounds furiously on the door. Simon asserts his right as Kristin present-betrothed saying, " until her father can come to get her. Until then I intend to defend with both the point and the edge of my sword as much of her honor as can be protected- in the judgment of other people (KL VI 186)." Simon's most revealing statement occurs when he speaks to Kristin that "It's not for your sake I'm doing this (KL VI 186)." He even goes as far as have Kristin swear that Lavrans never know of the sin his daughter committed (KL VI 187). No doubt that for a man of Simon's position, the humiliating loss of his betrothed to such a disreputable man was cause enough to think solely of his own unfortunate fate. During these occurrences, however, Simon shows grace under unimaginable circumstances. His thoughts revolve around his father and Lavrans. He understands that now all of the property talks and honorable lineage guarantees made between the families over the last two years are lost. Concern for the protection of Lavrans ideologies about Kristin are also on Simon's mind. Since he has known Lavrans, Simon's respect and admiration for him has only grown. Simon knows that Simon would be destroyed by the knowledge of Kristin sinful conduct at Brynhild Fluga's residence. Saving Lavrans from heartache and embarrassment over Kristin, Simon tells Lavrans and his father only the fact that Kristin has decided that she has set her heart on another man (KL VI 192). The second stage of Simon's life takes a toll for the worst when he becomes involved with his second wife, Fru Halfrid (KL VII 207).
Enchanted by Halfrid's beauty, gentleness, and loveliness, Simon is pleased to have such a high-class wife. The narrator, however, tells how Simon eventually felt about his marriage: "Simon could never [imagine] that he would not be happy with such a wife as he had now won in the dark gloom of the night his aversion to her stripped him of all youth and vigor. She was sickly, her breath was tainted, and her caresses plagued him (KL VII 208)." This unhappiness leads to him laying with one of Halfrid's maids causing the birth of his illegitimate daughter, Arngjerd. He eventually grew to love the unwanted Arnejerd, and was left a widower when Halfrid died one day after their baby boy was born. Simon returned home to Dyfrin where he stayed until his father passed away. After the Darre inheritances were settled, Simon moved to Formo with his "seduced sister and a paramour's child (KL VII
213)." Simon's decision to go "outside the traditions of his family (KL VII 207)" when he married Fru Halfrid were the direct cause of his struggles with Kristin. As Undset very simply says, "He had been faced with something he had never imagined could happen in this world- not between honorable people of good family, and not in these times. Blinded and confused, he had staggered his way out of the betrothal, although his demeanor had been cool and calm and steady as he talked over these matters with his father and hers (KL VII 207)." Simon was simply traumatized by Kristin's carelessness and thoughtlessness. He was brought up in a family where it was customary for the parents to make decisions for the betterment of their children. For such a seemingly innocent maiden to act in such a brass manner was unheard of for Simon. He said so himself that By Satan, he would never trust a maiden again." Simon loses all hope in the pure and innocent; consequently, he loses all hope in his goodness and virtue. Simon's greatest outpouring of compassion and honor occurs during Erlend's arrest for high treason against King Magnus. Simon traveled to Kristin after he had heard "how she had been faring for the last three days (KL VII 348)." Simon volunteers his efforts to free Erlend from his prison and sentence. His empathy of Kristin's pain swells as he looks at how "young her face became, soft and full of anguished tenderness (KL VII 350)." When Simon has an opportunity to speak with Erlend alone in his jail, Simon recalls how, over Lavrans deathbed, they "promised each other and [Lavrans] that all [their] days [they] would stand together as brothers (KL VII 352)." Simon willingly sets aside his past judgments against Erlend in these dire times. Simon also sacrifices time with his newborn son with Ramborg Lavransdatter. He feels a sense of contentment when Kristin acknowledges how much Simon must "long to see his son (KL VII 372)." Simon tells Kristin, " God will perhaps grant the boy better health if I can be patient and rein in my longing to see him until I've helped Erlend and you a little more in this matter (KL VII 372)." When Simon discovers that King Magnus has allowed Frenchmen to torture Erlend in order to force a confession of the names of his accomplices (KL VII 380), Simon is outraged and travels yet again to seek Sir Erling's assistance. At Sir Erling's residence, Simon experiences one of the most shameful scenes of his life. In hopes of stirring up Sir Erling's compassionate side, Simon brought to the surface the secret relationship between Sir Erling and Fru Halfrid (KL VII 390). As Simon says to Erling: "Perhaps if you remembered the woman who endured all those terrible years, with no solace or help except form God alone, then you might be persuaded to help many people- because you can (KL VII 390)!" Simon declares a humiliating confession when he reveals that he is helping the man who stole Kristin away from him (KL VII 392). Simon's startling affirmation convinces Sir Erling to help in freeing Erlend. Simon has surrendered all of his pride and dignity to Sir Erling in the hopes of gaining hope for Kristin and Erlend. At the palace of King Magnus, Simon demonstrates great courage when he tells the king that if he continues to torture noblemen, which is against Norway laws, then "[Simon] asks that [King Magnus] release [him] from [his] service (KL VII 397)." Simon takes his gloves from his belt and holds them in his hands (KL VII 397). Standing up to the king was certainly something a nobleman such as Simon never imagined he would have to do. He realized, however, that standing for righteousness was far more noble then standing behind an atrocious king. When Erlend is set free and reunited with Kristin, Simon feels disgruntled over how little Kristin seems to have changed at the end of all the recent strife. He realizes that he was being noble, in part, because of his still-present feelings for Kristin. Simon is outraged when Erlend makes a comment about Simon "having his widow (KL VII 402)" if he had been executed. He coolly tells Erlend that they "must try to pretend it was never said, for the sake of [their] wives (KL VII 403)." This scene with Simon reveals so much about his character. Obviously, Simon still has strong feelings for Kristin. By helping Erlend gain his freedom, Simon destroys all chance of having Kristin. Simon forfeits his own happiness, because he knows in his heart that the noble thing to do is reunite Kristin with the man she loves, Erlend Nikulausson. Simon's longing to attain contentment in his life (KL VIII 60) faces hardship when Kristin and Erlend are no longer "debtors (KL VIII 104)" to him. Simon testifies that "he knew that in some way he had always been able to forgive his debtors. It seemed much harder to forgive anyone who had bound a debt around his neck (KL VIII 104)." His debts to Kristin involve her desperate reach for pagan rituals in order to save the life of Simon's son, Andres (KL VIII 40). Simon owes Erlend his life when Erlend saves him from a brawl which erupts during a meeting with local farmers about a portion of farmland belonging to Lavrans (KL VIII 74-81). Because "they were [now] even, [Simon] felt all the past resentments . rip open and come to life (KL VIII 104)." Simon's feelings toward Kristin are more difficult for Simon to control as dreams of Kristin "torment (KL VIII 64)" him during the night (KL VIII 104) and physical and emotional longings overcome him during the day (KL VIII 92). Even though Simon is "quite content with his marriage (KL VIII 53)," his desire for the life he believes could be possible with Kristin prevents Simon's complete happiness. A passage reflects quite well the fantasy Simon creates around his feelings for Kristin when Simon states a number of if phrases about Kristin: "if [Simon] had been her husband if she had lived with his honorable goodwill (KL VIII 105)." Being a religious man, however, Simon knows that "his love [is] sinful, and that is why things stood as they did and why he was unhappy (KL VIII 106)." Simon has his chance to reveal his true feelings to Kristin on his deathbed. In an attempt to break up a fight between drunken fur peddlers, Simon receives a knife wound in his right forearm (KL VIII 192). The cut becomes infected, and Simon desperately wishes "to go home because he knows that he [is] fated to die (KL VIII 195). Kristin tends to his wound since she is the most capable woman around the parish. While Simon is lying in his bed, all his thoughts are of when he is going to disclose his love for Kristin (KL VIII 200). Simon, however, takes on the task of Kristin's counselor and admonishes her for not being able to forgive her husband and sparing her sons all the trouble of not having a father (KL VIII 204). It seems that Simon cannot escape from being Kristin's rock of wisdom even in his dying moments. His illusion of a life full of passion with Kristin shatters when she says that she would have taken a knife into their bridal bed had they wed each other (KL VIII 204).
Simon passes without uttering the words of love he has so longed to speak to Kristin. He dies in peace, however, because he realizes that sacrificing his want to declare his love for Kristin will save her much grief after he is gone.
Simon Andresson's struggles with his definition of honor and belief in goodness in Kristin Lavransdatter are a powerful testimony to the human spirit. His emotional and spiritual journey begins with the ideology that "noble" families have no faults or hidden secrets. When the curtain falls on this idea, Simon goes through a period of disorder and misery. Then Simon reacquaints himself with the good people of his younger days, Lavrans Borgulfson, and discovers that life is salvageable even after apparently hopeless episodes. Simon continues to undergo emotional strife as he struggles to appreciate his blessings (a beautiful wife, healthy children, and good social standing) and combat his "sinful (KL VIII 64)" desire for another man's wife. When Simon dies at the age of "forty-two winters (KL VIII 207)," he leaves behind him a good reputation; he receives his last rites; and he dies performing a noble act of sacrifice. Simon Andresson departs a happy man.
Kristin Lavransdatter: The Wreath by Sigrid Undset translated by Tiina Nunnally
Penguin Twentieth-Century Classics
Kristin Lavransdatter: The Wife by Sigrid Undset translated by Tiina Nunnally
Penguin Classics
Kristin Lavransdatter: The Cross by Sigrid Undset translated by Tiina Nunnally
Penguin Classics