Genre
Historical Fiction
Setting and Context
It takes place in northern Scandinavia in the year 1851.
Narrator and Point of View
The narrative is presented from a third-person limited point of view.
Tone and Mood
The tone is reflective and evocative. The mood is somber.
Protagonist and Antagonist
The protagonist is Willa. The antagonist is the harsh environment and the societal and cultural tensions.
Major Conflict
The major conflict is the clash of cultures, beliefs, and the struggle for religious identity. The narrative portrays the tension between the Lutheran minister, Lars Levi Laestadius, attempting to convert the native Sámi reindeer herders to Lutheranism. This conflict is amplified by the imposition of new beliefs and practices on a community deeply rooted in its own culture.
Climax
The climax occurs at Skibotn market where Biettar is interrupted and physically attacked by a tall Norwegian man.
Foreshadowing
Risten's doubts about her impending marriage and desire to project perfection foreshadow challenges in her relationship with Mikkol.
Understatement
“It’s good news…depending, of course.”
Ánde understates the potential significance of the good news implying it might not be entirely good for Ivvár.
Allusions
The phrase "And the glory of the Lord shone round about them" alludes to a biblical passage from the Gospel of Luke (Luke 2:9)
Imagery
“She went out to the field and looked at the frozen ground, kicked the snow away, tugged halfheartedly at the frozen wheelbarrow, but it didn’t move. She wouldn’t be the one breaking the soil, planting the seeds that would not really grow, that would give up halfway through summer.”
The imagery conveys desolation, frustration, and a lack of hope and productivity.
Paradox
The inner turmoil experienced by Ivvár when he battles the urge to drink while feeling the need to justify his actions.
Parallelism
Risten and Willa represent two different approaches to coping with difficult circumstances. Risten's calculated and resourceful nature contrasts with Willa's more submissive and accommodating disposition.
Metonymy and Synecdoche
"Devil's piss" is used as a metonymy for alcohol.
Personification
"the sea doubled, tripled the sun’s glare, and the wind was cold and clean, and the seagulls croaked with delight at all this chaos"
The personification implies a sense of excitement on the part of the natural elements and birds.
