Knut Hamsun

Name: Growth of the Soil — Book One, Chapter X
Author: Knut Hamsun

Growth of the Soil — Book One, Chapter X (1917)

Summary

“Growth of the Soil — Book One, Chapter X”, published in 1917, is a work by Knut Hamsun. It explores elements such as Isak, Geissler and Oline.

Quotes from Growth of the Soil — Book One, Chapter X (Knut Hamsun)

Knut Hamsun, Growth of the Soil — Book One, Chapter X (1917)

“ Should he forget himself altogether, and neglect his land? He sets off home again and begins carting out manure. It is soon done. He sticks a crowbar into the earth, noting how the frost disappears from day to day. The sun is big and strong now, the snow is gone, green showing everywhere; the cattle are out to graze. Isak ploughs one day, and a few days later he is sowing corn, planting potatoes. Ho, the youngsters too, planting potatoes like angels; blessed little hands they have, and what can their father do but watch?
Then Isak washes out the cart down by the river, and puts the seat in. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Knut Hamsun, Growth of the Soil — Book One, Chapter X (1917)

“ Health and strength — ay, full and unspoiled, unworn, in every way, the health and strength of a man.
When Geissler had gone, Isak began thinking of many presumptuous things. Ay, for had not Geissler, that blessing to them all, said at parting that he would send a message very soon — would send a telegram as soon as ever he could. "You can call in at the post office in a fortnight's time," he had said. And that in itself was a wonderful thing enough. Isak set to work making a seat for the cart. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Knut Hamsun, Growth of the Soil — Book One, Chapter X (1917)

“ It was small enough, and roughly built; ay, a mill for dwarfs, for trollfolk, but strong and useful for a man's work. Isak led his guest a little farther up the river, and showed him another fall he had been working on a bit; it was to turn a saw, if so be God gave him health. "The only thing," he said, "it's a heavy long way from school: I'll have to get the lads to stay down in the village." But Geissler, always so quick to find a way, saw nothing to worry about here. "There are more people buying and settling here now," said he. "It won't be long before there's enough to start a school." ”

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Source: Wikisource

Knut Hamsun, Growth of the Soil — Book One, Chapter X (1917)

“ Isak goes down to the village, taking with him a few score of eggs for sale, and brings back paint. There was enough for one building, for the barn, and it was painted red. He fetches up more paint, yellow ochre this time, for the house itself. "Ay, 'tis as I said, here's going to be fine and grand," grumbles Oline every day. Ay, Oline could guess, no doubt, that her time at Sellanraa would soon be up; she was tough and strong enough to bear it, though not without bitterness. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Knut Hamsun, Growth of the Soil — Book One, Chapter X (1917)

“ And Oline had not been so bad with the children; she was not stern and strictly righteous and that sort of thing, but had a knack of dealing with children: listened to what they said, and let them do more or less as they pleased. If they came round while she was making cheese, she would give them a bit to taste; if they begged to be let off washing their faces one Sunday, she would let them off.
When Isak had given his walls a first coat, he went down to the village again and brought up all the paint he could carry. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Knut Hamsun, Growth of the Soil — Book One, Chapter X (1917)

“ And I told him about the hare. 'A hare?' says the Governor. 'A hare,' says I. 'And the child was born with a hare-lip.' 'Oh,' says he, smiling, 'I see. And you think they ought to have made more allowance for that?' 'They didn't make any at all,' said I, 'for it wasn't mentioned.' 'Well, I dare say it's not so bad, after all.' 'Bad enough for her, anyway.' 'Do you believe a hare can work miracles, then?' says he. 'As to that,' said I, 'whether a hare can work miracles or not's a matter I won't discuss just now. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Knut Hamsun, Growth of the Soil — Book One, Chapter X (1917)

“ And then they must set her free. There's not a shadow of doubt."
Then he read over what he had written; the contract for purchase of the land. Two hundred Daler cash down, and later, a nice high percentage of receipts from working, or ultimate disposal by further sale, of the copper tract. "Sign your name here," said Geissler.
Isak would have signed readily enough, but he was no scholar; in all his life he had got no farther than cutting initials in wood. But there was that hateful creature Oline looking on ”

Knut Hamsun

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Quotes from Growth of the Soil — Book One, Chapter X (Knut Hamsun)

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