Reading

Literature:
Fiction, Poetry, and Exercises
Based on the Common Core
State Standards
Level
10

Prestwick
House

Prestwick House

Prestwick House
 ∂
Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson:

The Father

Analysis of “The Father” by Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson
qualitative measures
Levels of Meaning
This “peasant tale” resembles a biblical parable and
has the same type of impact and long-lasting effect.
Indeed, the main theme seems to be the importance
of religion and humility in one’s life. There are other
important ideas, though, including the relative lack
of importance of wealth when compared to the love
for and quality time spent with one’s family. There
is also the inner struggle of “man vs. himself,” as
the protagonist must face a harsh truth and act
accordingly.
Structure
The story is told by an impartial narrator in a simple,
chronological form, so the point of view is third-
person-objective. Therefore, readers can come to
their own conclusions about emotions and meanings
based on the facts and the dialogue or, in some
cases, the silence.
Language Conventionality and Clarity
The language of the tale reflects the setting in which it
takes place and in which it was written: a rural locale
(in Norway) in the mid-nineteenth century. Somewhat
archaic language is sometimes used: “What shall
his name be?…What is your pleasure this evening?”
But the narrative is easy to follow, and the tone is
uncluttered and straightforward.
Knowledge Demands
Students should have some background knowledge
of formal, Christian religious practices, such as
publishing the “banns” (announcing a wedding), as
well as a basic understanding of Christian beliefs and
the duties of a local priest or minister.
The Father
quantitative measures
Flesch-Kincaid and Lexile measures both place
this story in the 3rd-5th grade band, based on their
quantitative parameters. The story, however, is much
more subtle in the topic it is dealing with than the
language and syntax imply. Students reading it only
for its simple plot will miss the significance conveyed
in that simplicity. It is important to keep in mind
that, according to the CCSS in Appendix A, the Lexile
Framework and other measures “may underestimate
the difficulty of texts that use simple, familiar
language to convey sophisticated ideas.”
Flesch-Kincaid: 3.4 Lexile Measure: 730L
Reader-Task Considerations
These are to be determined locally with reference
to such variables as a student’s motivation,
knowledge, and experiences, as well as purpose
and the complexity of the task assigned and the
questions posed.
Recommended Placement
Although qualitative and quantitative measures
support the teaching of this text in the grades
3-5 complexity band, teachers should realize that
it can be profitably read in later years by more
mature students who can more fully appreciate and
understand the depth and broad applicability of
the story.
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Reading Literature: Level 10

Introduction

“The Father”
This story, first published in 1860, is classified as a “peasant tale,” a type of folktale.
The main character, while a peasant in terms of social class, is also a successful farmer.
Though the setting is rural Norway in the mid-nineteenth century, “The Father” is
universal in its appeal and popularity, partly because it is short, easy to understand,
and centered on basic human concerns, but mostly due to its moral and philosophical
depth. It closely resembles a biblical parable and has a similar, long-lasting impact.

Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson
The winner of the 1903 Nobel Prize for Literature, Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson was born on
December 8, 1832 in Kvikne, a village about 230 miles north of Oslo, Norway. Known
by English readers primarily for his stories about rural life, he was also a prominent
playwright and poet who was, at one time, as famous as his countryman, friend, and
fellow playwright Henrik Ibsen (1828-1906). Both are included in the so-called “Big
Four” Norwegian writers of the nineteenth century, along with Alexander Kielland and
Jonas Lie.
In 1849, Bjørnson left for Christiana (now Oslo) to study at a college preparatory
school, where he became friends with Ibsen, who was also attending the school. Drawn
to the world of the theater, he soon drifted away from his formal education and became
a critic of drama and literature for the local newspaper. Becoming active and successful
in theater circles, in 1859, Bjørnson joined Ibsen in founding the Norwegian Society
for Theater, Music, and Language. Meanwhile, Bjørnson had also become a popular
writer of stories, many of them set in the scenic lands of his boyhood, as are his first
two novels, Synnøve Solbakken (1857; translated as Trust and Trial) and Arne (1859). An
1859 poem by Bjørnson, “Ja, vi elsker dette landet” (“Yes, We Love This Land”), was
set to music and became the Norwegian national anthem.
Bjørnson’s later years were filled with the writing of many plays and a vigorous
involvement with politics, as he strongly championed the independence, cultural
legacy, and unique identity of Norway, the rights of peasants and common workers,
and equality for women. He had become used to spending winters in Paris, one of his
favorite cities, and he had also gone there to receive treatment for a heart condition. It
was ultimately unsuccessful, however, and he died on April 26, 1910.

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 The Father

The Father
Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson (1860)

I
The man whose story is here to be told was the
wealthiest and most influential person in his parish;
his name was Thord Överaas. He appeared in the
priest’s study one day, tall and earnest.
“I have gotten a son,” said he, “and I wish to
present him for baptism.”
“What shall his name be?”
“Finn,—after my father.”
5 “And the sponsors?”
They were mentioned, and proved to be the best
men and women of Thord’s relations in the parish.
“Is there anything else?” inquired the priest,
and looked up. The peasant hesitated a little.
“I should like very much to have him baptized
by himself,” said he, finally.
“That is to say on a week-day?”
10 “Next Saturday, at twelve o’clock noon.”
“Is there anything else?” inquired the priest,
“There is nothing else;” and the peasant twirled
his cap, as though he were about to go.
Then the priest rose. “There is yet this,
however.” said he, and walking toward Thord,
he took him by the hand and looked gravely into
his eyes: “God grant that the child may become a
blessing to you!”

II
One day sixteen years later, Thord stood once more
in the priest’s study.
“Really, you carry your age astonishingly
well, Thord,” said the priest; for he saw no change
whatever in the man.
“That is because I have no troubles,” replied
Thord. To this the priest said nothing, but after a
while he asked: “What is your pleasure this evening?”
“I have come this evening about that son of
mine who is to be confirmed to-morrow.”

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Reading Literature: Level 10

5 “He is a bright boy.”

“I did not wish to pay the priest until I heard
what number the boy would have when he takes
his place in the church to-morrow.”
“He will stand number one.”
“So I have heard; and here are ten dollars for
the priest.”
“Is there anything else I can do for you?”
inquired the priest, fixing his eyes on Thord.
10 “There is nothing else.”
Thord went out.

III
Eight years more rolled by, and then one day a
noise was heard outside of the priest’s study, for
many men were approaching, and at their head was
Thord, who entered first.
The priest looked up and recognized him.
“You come well attended this evening, Thord,”
said he.
Banns: the official “I am here to request that the banns may be
announcement of a marriage
published for my son: he is about to marry Karen
Storliden, daughter of Gudmund, who stands here
beside me.”
5 “Why, that is the richest girl in the parish.”
“So they say,” replied the peasant, stroking
back his hair with one hand.
The priest sat a while as if in deep thought,
then entered the names in his book, without making
any comments, and the men wrote their signatures
underneath. Thord laid three dollars on the table.
“One is all I am to have,” said the priest.
“I know that very well; but he is my only child; I
want to do it handsomely.”
10 The priest took the money.
“This is now the third time, Thord, that you have
come here on your son’s account.”
“But now I am through with him,” said Thord,
and folding up his pocket-book he said farewell
and walked away.
The men slowly followed him.

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 The Father

A fortnight later, the father and son were Fortnight: a period of 14 days
rowing across the lake, one calm, still day, to
Storliden to make arrangements for the wedding.
15 “This thwart is not secure,” said the son, Thwart: a crosspiece in a boat
that can be used as a seat by
and stood up to straighten the seat on which he a rower
was sitting.
At the same moment the board he was standing
on slipped from under him; he threw out his arms,
uttered a shriek, and fell overboard.
“Take hold of the oar!” shouted the father,
springing to his feet, and holding out the oar.
But when the son had made a couple of efforts
he grew stiff.
“Wait a moment!” cried the father, and began
to row toward his son.
20 Then the son rolled over on his back, gave his
The number three is important
father one long look, and sank. in Christian symbolism because
Thord could scarcely believe it; he held the boat of the Trinity (God, Jesus Christ,
and the Holy Spirit); Christ
still, and stared at the spot where his son had gone performed three functions
down, as though he must surely come to the surface while on Earth, namely prophet,
again. There rose some bubbles, then some more, priest, and king. He rose from
his grave on the third day. In
and finally one large one that burst; and the lake lay addition, the disciple Peter,
there as smooth and bright as a mirror again. fearing for his life, denied three
For three days and three nights people saw the times that he knew Christ.
There are many other instances
father rowing round and round the spot, without in which three is a number with
taking either food or sleep; he was dragging the special significance.
lake for the body of his son. And toward morning
of the third day he found it, and carried it in his
arms up over the hills to his gard.

IV
It might have been about a year from that day, when
the priest, late one autumn evening, heard some one
in the passage outside of the door, carefully trying
to find the latch. The priest opened the door, and
in walked a tall, thin man, with bowed form and
white hair. The priest looked long at him before he
recognized him. It was Thord.
“Are you out walking so late?” said the priest,
and stood still in front of him.
“Ah, yes! it is late,” said Thord, and took a seat.

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Reading Literature: Level 10

The priest sat down also, as though waiting. A

long, long silence followed. At last Thord said,—
5 “I have something with me that I should like to
give to the poor; I want it to be invested as a legacy
in my son’s name.”
He rose, laid some money on the table, and sat
down again. The priest counted it.
“It is a great deal of money,” said he.
“It is half the price of my gard. I sold it to-day.”
The priest sat long in silence. At last he asked,
but gently,—
10 “What do you propose to do now, Thord?”
“Something better.”
They sat there for a while, Thord with downcast
eyes, the priest with his eyes fixed on Thord.
Presently the priest said, slowly and softly,—
“I think your son has at last brought you a
true blessing.”

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 The Father

Questions and
Common Core State Standards
1. (CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.9-10.1) What can you logically infer about the protagonist,
Thord Överaas, based on the text of part I?
He wants and expects special treatment for himself and his son, Finn. Not only does he
request that the boy be baptized in a ceremony just for him, but he is quick to say exactly
when it is to take place, indicating that he knew the priest would grant his wishes, most
likely because Thord is “the wealthiest and most influential person” in the parish.

2. (CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.9-10.1 and .3) In part II, when Thord explains his

youthful appearance by saying, “That is because I have no troubles,” the priest
remains silent for a while. How do you think the author intended this silence to
be interpreted?
Thord seems to be bragging on his good fortune, and the priest is wise enough to know
that everyone will eventually experience troubles of some kind, but he is also socially
knowledgeable enough not to criticize or try to advise anyone who does not request
such input.

3. (CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.9-10.4) Soon afterward, Thord says, “I did not wish to

pay the priest until I heard what number the boy would have when he takes
his place in church tomorrow” (for his Christian confirmation). After the priest
says that Finn will be the first in line, Thord pays him ten dollars. What are the
connotations of this exchange?
Again, Thord wants special attention and honor for his son, and he is willing to pay for
it, which seems to be a form of bribery. He seems to think he can push others around and
buy his way through life.

4. (CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.9-10.1) Part III shows the main character asking for a

third favor from the priest. This time, Thord wants the church to publish the
“banns” (the announcement of a marriage) for his son and “the richest girl in the
parish,” as the priest refers to her. Thord agrees that she is and arrogantly smooths
his hair back with his hand. Then the priest is silent again, this time “as if in deep
thought.” What can you infer from what the priest does not say?
Pride is one of the seven deadly sins, so the priest may have been tempted to offer to meet
with Thord in private in order to counsel him, but again the priest humbly remains quiet
as he writes the names in his church record.

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5. (CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.9-10.5) Although the customary price of the priest’s
publishing of the banns is only a dollar, Thord gives him three, saying that Finn “is
my only child, and I want to do it handsomely.” The priest then notes that Thord
has come to see him three times on his son’s behalf. This visit also occurs in part III,
which ends with Thord searching “three days and three nights” for his son’s body.
On “the third day he found it.” What effect does this heavily symbolic structure have
on the story?
In 1860, when the short story was published, Norway was a staunchly Christian nation,
so Bjørnson’s readers would have understood the importance and felt the deep resonance
of his use of the number three. Throughout the first three parts of the story, Thord is
prideful and visits the priest only to ask for favors, never confessing his sins and never
even acknowledging the priest’s role in religion. Therefore, many readers at the time
may have interpreted the death of Thord’s son as some kind of divine punishment or
retribution. In this sense, the story resembles a parable, especially when one considers
Thord’s eventual epiphany and the change in him as seen in part IV.

6. (CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.9-10.4) Near the end, after the priest finally recognizes the
“tall, thin man, with bowed form and white hair” as Thord, the priest asks if he is
“working so late.” Thord replies, “Ah, yes! It is late.” In this situation, what are the
connotations of Thord’s words, and how do they impact the meaning and tone?
He has recognized his sins and the importance of the church too late in his life, only after
he has suffered a tragedy, so he has not had the benefits he might have had otherwise (in
the Christian belief system). However, he is in the process of trying to make up for his
past, so the tone of part IV includes both desperation and relief.

7. (CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.9-10.1) When Thord sits down, the priest is completely

quiet, and his silence lasts a long time. What can be logically inferred from his
silence this time?
The priest knows that Thord has had a change of heart and has something important to
say, so he respects him and allows him enough time to gather his thoughts, form his own
words, and then speak when he is ready to.

8. (CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.9-10.2) Based on the priest’s final words to Thord and the

man’s agreement with them, determine the main theme of the short story. Then
decide on a subtheme and show how the two interact and build on one another to
add complexity to what is, on the surface, a very simple folktale.
Answers will vary. The central theme, according to the ending, is apparently the
importance of religion in one’s life and how it is necessary, or at least helpful, for one
to become a humble servant of a higher power and a generous part of one’s community.
A secondary theme is the relative lack of importance that money has in one’s life,
compared to the love for one’s family and neighbors. These themes are often interrelated

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 because Thord usually pays the priest to do him favors, rather than developing a genuine
relationship between himself and the priest (and by extension the Church) or between
himself and his son for that matter.
Another theme could be that people do not understand themselves very well, in the sense
that Thord is his enemy without realizing it. After he asks for and receives three favors
for his son, he says to the priest, “But now I am through with him,” indicating that Thord
believes he has done his most important duties as a father by means of his wealth and
social influence. Soon afterward, of course, his son dies, and the impact on Thord is huge
and life-changing.

9. (CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.9-10.4) What significance, multiple meanings, and

connotations can you derive from the title of the story?
“The Father” could refer to the priest, to Thord, or to the vital importance of fathers,
especially since Thord names his son Finn after his own father. At the end, we can see
that Thord has taken a long time to understand the impact of his greed and pride on his
relationship, or lack thereof, with his son, his community, and his religion. Ironically, the
death of his son causes him to comprehend fully what being a father means and to get
in touch with his true emotional and social needs. “The Father” could also refer to God,
who, according to Christian beliefs, offers love and guidance.

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