Alexander Kielland

:Different meaning: Alexander Kielland (platform).

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Alexander Lange Kielland (February 18, 1849 – April 6, 1906) was one of the most famous Norwegian authors of the 19th century. Born in Stavanger, Norway, he grew up in a rich merchant family. Among his most famous works are the novels Skipper Worse (1882) and Gift (Poison, 1883), and the short story "Karen".

Related Topics:
February 18 - 1849 - April 6 - 1906 - Norwegian - 19th century - Stavanger - Skipper Worse - Gift

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In Gift (Poison, 1883) Kielland debates the hunger for Latin which Norwegian teachers had in this area of time. The story has its peak when the protagonist, a young boy called Marius, is lying on his deathbed, repeating Latin grammar.

Related Topics:
Gift - Latin

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

It has been debated why Kielland ended his career as a writer so early. Some believe that he was so much of a realist that he could not deal with new-romantic tendencies in Norwegian literature at the end of the 19th century. Tor Obrestad's autobiography of Alexander L. Kielland opens up thoughts about Kielland dying because of health-problems. He had several heart-attacks, he constantly gained weight and he couldn't control his great passion for food.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

During the last year of his life, he was also the Mayor of his hometown, Stavanger.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

He is one of the so-called "The Four Greats" in Norwegian literature, along with Henrik Ibsen, Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson, and Jonas Lie.

Related Topics:
Norwegian literature - Henrik Ibsen - Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson - Jonas Lie

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~