Bjørnstjerne Martinus Bjørnson, "Fortællinger: Jærnbanen og Kirkegaarden" ["The Railroad and the Churchyard"]

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The short story is a study of politics in peasant life, as told through the fortunes and friendship of two men, Canute Aakre and Lars Hogstad. Canute became prominent in the local town, setting up educational initiatives for the parish: “Among the many he had helped to an education, his neighbour Lars Hogstad stood foremost.” Canute became the chairman of the board of parish commissioners, and he would often discuss issues with Lars who was a good listener. They rode together in Canute’s wagon and “were looked upon as inseparable”.

The quiet Lars never spoke in parish council meetings, until one particular day when he surprised everybody by opposing Canute’s opinion: the matter was therefore adjourned.  On the subsequent meeting, Lars spoke so eloquently and confidently that

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Citation: Rees, Kathy. ""Fortællinger: Jærnbanen og Kirkegaarden"". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 27 July 2017 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/sworks.php?rec=true&UID=38759, accessed 19 March 2024.]

38759 "Fortællinger: Jærnbanen og Kirkegaarden" 3 Historical context notes are intended to give basic and preliminary information on a topic. In some cases they will be expanded into longer entries as the Literary Encyclopedia evolves.

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