Kristin Lavransdatter essay
Undset wrote that Kristin’s real sin was not sexual immortality, but the sin of pride. Drawing on details from the novel, explain what she meant.
Kristin Lavranasdatter: The Wreath written by Sigrid Undset tells the story of a young girl named Kristin who encountered several tragedies, which led to the defiance of her loving father and the ideals of society. Amongst each misfortune and risk that she takes, judgment from the community is brought upon Kristin. Even within the unjustified acts, Kristin still wants to be perceived as innocent and pure. We learn about Kristin’s relationships and the perils she will take to ensure a good reputation and her own “happiness” (94). In the beginning of the novel we can see that Kristin is pure and sweet but as the story unravels, her desires take over and she heads down thrilling yet dangerous paths of love (5). Undset shares with her audience the struggles of being a young girl and trying to balance personal desires with ideals of society, in medieval times. Kristin’s real sin is pride because she cares more about her reputation than her character.
Kristin grew up in an admired respected family, where Christian values were learned from birth (14). Her father Lavrans Bjorgulfson is a beloved man in the community. He is very fond of Kristin because she is the oldest, surviving child in the family and they also share similar good looks. Kristin, being attached to her father, finds more comfort in him than any other person. One day, Lavrans takes Kristin along with him on a trip to the mountains. In the woods, she sees an elf maiden who lures her in with a gold crown. Kristin is so frightened that she runs screaming to her father, who is startled by the traumatizing incident (17). Lavrans tells his colleagues “You must guard your tongues, Ragnfrid must never hear that the child was exposed to such danger” (19). I think the little secrets Lavrans keeps from his wife, subconsciously show Kristin that it is acceptable to lie as
Kristin Lavranasdatter: The Wreath written by Sigrid Undset tells the story of a young girl named Kristin who encountered several tragedies, which led to the defiance of her loving father and the ideals of society. Amongst each misfortune and risk that she takes, judgment from the community is brought upon Kristin. Even within the unjustified acts, Kristin still wants to be perceived as innocent and pure. We learn about Kristin’s relationships and the perils she will take to ensure a good reputation and her own “happiness” (94). In the beginning of the novel we can see that Kristin is pure and sweet but as the story unravels, her desires take over and she heads down thrilling yet dangerous paths of love (5). Undset shares with her audience the struggles of being a young girl and trying to balance personal desires with ideals of society, in medieval times. Kristin’s real sin is pride because she cares more about her reputation than her character.
Kristin grew up in an admired respected family, where Christian values were learned from birth (14). Her father Lavrans Bjorgulfson is a beloved man in the community. He is very fond of Kristin because she is the oldest, surviving child in the family and they also share similar good looks. Kristin, being attached to her father, finds more comfort in him than any other person. One day, Lavrans takes Kristin along with him on a trip to the mountains. In the woods, she sees an elf maiden who lures her in with a gold crown. Kristin is so frightened that she runs screaming to her father, who is startled by the traumatizing incident (17). Lavrans tells his colleagues “You must guard your tongues, Ragnfrid must never hear that the child was exposed to such danger” (19). I think the little secrets Lavrans keeps from his wife, subconsciously show Kristin that it is acceptable to lie as