Three Comedies By: Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson (1832-1910)
Three Comedies by Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson is a delightful collection of plays that offer a glimpse into the author's witty and thought-provoking writing style. Through these three comedic works, Bjørnson presents a keen observation of human nature, critiquing social norms and shedding light on various aspects of Norwegian society in the late 19th century. The first play, "The Newly Married Couple," sets the tone for the collection with its exploration of love, marriage, and the challenges that arise when two individuals from different backgrounds come together. Bjørnson skillfully weaves humorous dialogue and sharp characterization to highlight the misunderstandings and conflicts that emerge within a marital relationship. This play is a superb example of his ability to blend comedy and social commentary seamlessly. The second play, "A Bankruptcy," takes a satirical approach towards the financial world. The plot revolves around the bankruptcy of a small bank in a rural town, revealing the greed and dishonesty plaguing the banking sector. Bjørnson provides a scathing critique of the corrupt practices prevailing at the time. Through witty dialogues and clever plot twists, he exposes the hypocrisy and immorality of those in positions of authority. This play serves as a reminder of the timeless relevance of highlighting the flaws in society's systems. The final play, "Leonarda," offers a refreshing change of pace with its romantic storyline. Bjørnson takes a light-hearted approach, creating a spirited and cheerful atmosphere. The play follows the romantic pursuits of the protagonist, Leonardo, who carries out several humorous schemes to win the heart of his beloved. Despite its comedic nature, Bjørnson subtly addresses the theme of societal expectations and restrictions in matters of love and marriage. It is a delightful conclusion to this collection, leaving readers with a sense of joy and satisfaction. What makes this collection truly exceptional is Bjørnson's masterful command over language and his ability to create vivid and memorable characters. Each play is filled with well-rounded individuals whose complexities and flaws are portrayed with great insight. The social issues explored in these comedies, although specific to the time period in which they were written, resonate with a modern audience. Bjørnson's astute observations and biting humor transcend the confines of their historical context, making these plays relevant even today. In conclusion, Three Comedies by Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson is a must-read for anyone with an appreciation for intelligent humor and insightful social commentary. This collection showcases the author's talent for using comedy as a tool to shed light on the darker aspects of society. With its witty dialogue, multifaceted characters, and thought-provoking themes, this book is sure to captivate readers and leave them pondering the human condition long after they have finished reading. First Page: THREE COMEDIES By Björnstjerne M. Björnson INTRODUCTION BJÖRNSTJERNE BJÖRNSON poet, dramatist, novelist, and politician, and the most notable figure in contemporary Norwegian history was born, in December 1832, at Kvikne in the north of Norway. His father was pastor at Kvikne, a remote village in the Österdal district, some sixty miles south of Trondhiem; a lonely spot, whose atmosphere and surroundings Björnson afterwards described in one of his short sketches ("Blakken"). The pastor's house lay so high up on the "fjeld" that corn would not grow on its meadows, where the relentless northern winter seemed to begin so early and end so late. The Österdal folk were a wild, turbulent lot in those days so much so, that his predecessor (who had never ventured into the church without his pistol in his pocket) had eventually run away and flatly refused to return, with the result that the district was pastorless for some years until the elder Björnson came to it. It was in surroundings such as this, and with scarcely any playfellows, that Björnstjerne Björnson spent the first six years of his life; and the sturdy independence of his nature may have owed something to the unaccommodating life of his earliest days, just as the poetical impulse that was so strong in his developed character probably had its beginnings in the impressions of beauty he received in the years that immediately followed... Continue reading book >>

Three Comedies By: Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson (1832-1910)

Three Comedies by Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson is a delightful collection of plays that offer a glimpse into the author's witty and thought-provoking writing style. Through these three comedic works, Bjørnson presents a keen observation of human nature, critiquing social norms and shedding light on various aspects of Norwegian society in the late 19th century.

The first play, "The Newly Married Couple," sets the tone for the collection with its exploration of love, marriage, and the challenges that arise when two individuals from different backgrounds come together. Bjørnson skillfully weaves humorous dialogue and sharp characterization to highlight the misunderstandings and conflicts that emerge within a marital relationship. This play is a superb example of his ability to blend comedy and social commentary seamlessly.

The second play, "A Bankruptcy," takes a satirical approach towards the financial world. The plot revolves around the bankruptcy of a small bank in a rural town, revealing the greed and dishonesty plaguing the banking sector. Bjørnson provides a scathing critique of the corrupt practices prevailing at the time. Through witty dialogues and clever plot twists, he exposes the hypocrisy and immorality of those in positions of authority. This play serves as a reminder of the timeless relevance of highlighting the flaws in society's systems.

The final play, "Leonarda," offers a refreshing change of pace with its romantic storyline. Bjørnson takes a light-hearted approach, creating a spirited and cheerful atmosphere. The play follows the romantic pursuits of the protagonist, Leonardo, who carries out several humorous schemes to win the heart of his beloved. Despite its comedic nature, Bjørnson subtly addresses the theme of societal expectations and restrictions in matters of love and marriage. It is a delightful conclusion to this collection, leaving readers with a sense of joy and satisfaction.

What makes this collection truly exceptional is Bjørnson's masterful command over language and his ability to create vivid and memorable characters. Each play is filled with well-rounded individuals whose complexities and flaws are portrayed with great insight. The social issues explored in these comedies, although specific to the time period in which they were written, resonate with a modern audience. Bjørnson's astute observations and biting humor transcend the confines of their historical context, making these plays relevant even today.

In conclusion, Three Comedies by Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson is a must-read for anyone with an appreciation for intelligent humor and insightful social commentary. This collection showcases the author's talent for using comedy as a tool to shed light on the darker aspects of society. With its witty dialogue, multifaceted characters, and thought-provoking themes, this book is sure to captivate readers and leave them pondering the human condition long after they have finished reading.

First Page:

THREE COMEDIES

By Björnstjerne M. Björnson

INTRODUCTION

BJÖRNSTJERNE BJÖRNSON poet, dramatist, novelist, and politician, and the most notable figure in contemporary Norwegian history was born, in December 1832, at Kvikne in the north of Norway. His father was pastor at Kvikne, a remote village in the Österdal district, some sixty miles south of Trondhiem; a lonely spot, whose atmosphere and surroundings Björnson afterwards described in one of his short sketches ("Blakken"). The pastor's house lay so high up on the "fjeld" that corn would not grow on its meadows, where the relentless northern winter seemed to begin so early and end so late. The Österdal folk were a wild, turbulent lot in those days so much so, that his predecessor (who had never ventured into the church without his pistol in his pocket) had eventually run away and flatly refused to return, with the result that the district was pastorless for some years until the elder Björnson came to it.

It was in surroundings such as this, and with scarcely any playfellows, that Björnstjerne Björnson spent the first six years of his life; and the sturdy independence of his nature may have owed something to the unaccommodating life of his earliest days, just as the poetical impulse that was so strong in his developed character probably had its beginnings in the impressions of beauty he received in the years that immediately followed... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Comedy
Literature

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Wikipedia – Three Comedies

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