ergen, on April 6, 1906.

Kielland's method is realistic, and a number of his works are written
with a fairly distinct "purpose." As this purpose often involves
sharp criticism of conventions and beliefs dear to the comfortable
classes, Kielland roused no small amount of opposition and
disapproval. But as it grows more possible to see his work in
perspective, it becomes more evident that his clear-sightedness and
honesty of purpose as well as his mastery of style will give him an
honored place among Norwegian writers.

"Skipper Worse" is not only thoroughly typical of Kielland's work,
but, so far as there can be said to be general agreement, it is
regarded as his masterpiece. Like so many of his books, it gives a
picture of the well-to-do merchants, shippers, and fisher-folk of the
west coast of Norway, the special subject being the workings of the
Haugian pietistic movement. Although this particular movement was
specifically Norwegian, it is sufficiently typical of a kind of
revival familiar in many countries to make this study of it
interesting to foreign readers. Kielland's handling of the Haugians
is remarkable for its fairness and restraint. The sincerity of the
best representatives of the sect is abundantly exhibited, as well as
the limitations of the weaker brethren; but this balanced treatment
does not prevent the author from showing with great force and
poignancy the deplorable crushing of the innocent human affections by
unintelligent fanaticism.

The portraiture of individuals is as successful as that of the
society in which they move. Worse himself is rendered with a rare
mingling of humor and pathos; Hans Nilsen is a striking example of
the religious enthusiast, drawn with feeling and subtlety; and Madame
Torvestad, though belonging to a familiar type, is well
individualized.

It requires a high degree of art to take a provincial group, in
special local circumstances, and to present these in such a way as
not only to interest the outsider, but to convince him of the truth
of the presentation by showing the characters as acting from motives
valid for human nature in general. This is what Kielland does,
displaying in the doing of it, an uncommon delicacy of perception and
accuracy of perspective. He is one of the writers who have done most
to make Scandinavia count in the modern world.

W. A. N.

CRITICISMS AND INTERPRETATIONS

I
BY H. H. BOYESEN

Kielland's third novel, "Skipper Worse,