WOMEN'S CHARACTER

Life should be treated like a woman. Shouldn't one be gallant towards life and let her win over one? One should give in and give in and leave all treasures behind. (Rosa, 1908)

In all of Hamsun's novels we find a male narrative perspective. This does not prevent several of the female characters from emerging as fascinating characters with their own perspectives and opinions. Nevertheless, Hamsun's negative attitude towards women's liberation and equality also shines through in his female characters.

Hamsun is critical of the new woman who realizes herself at the expense of children and family life. He draws a negative, but also a kind of tragic portrait of this type of woman in the characters Hanka in New Earth (1893), the Torsen type in The Last Chapter (1923) and Lili in The Ring is Over (1896).

The ideal female figure in Hamsun's writings is the self-sacrificing woman, who submits to her husband, is the mother and the center of the family. Inger in Markens grøde (1920) is the most striking example of such a female figure.