Arvid’s Search for a Place

The Emigrants

This flow follows Arvid from social disgrace and dependence toward the hope of starting over among strangers.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The Bull of Nybacken The Bull of Nybacken from "The Emigrants". The Bull of Nybacken Rumor takes hold An old mistress insinuates that Arvid has committed an unspeakable act with a heifer.

The Bull of Nybacken from "The Emigrants". The Bull of Nybacken Rumor takes hold An old mistress insinuates that Arvid has committed an unspeakable act with a heifer.

The Bull of Nybacken Rumor takes hold An old mistress insinuates that Arvid has committed an unspeakable act with a heifer. Though he denies it, the rumor spreads without a direct accusation that he can challenge. Exclusion grows Farm workers and women avoid him, and his name becomes a public label. His social life contracts around a shame he cannot disprove.

Robert’s Friendship Robert’s Friendship from "The Emigrants". Robert’s Friendship A listener found Robert Nilsson recognizes the injustice Arvid faces and listens when he explains his innocence.

Robert’s Friendship from "The Emigrants". Robert’s Friendship A listener found Robert Nilsson recognizes the injustice Arvid faces and listens when he explains his innocence.

Robert’s Friendship A listener found Robert Nilsson recognizes the injustice Arvid faces and listens when he explains his innocence. The younger farmhand treats him as a person rather than a rumor. A possible escape Robert describes America as a place where no one knows Arvid’s reputation. Their conversations turn companionship into a shared plan for a different life.

Rage and Restraint Rage and Restraint from "The Emigrants". Rage and Restraint Violence nearly unleashed Drunk and despairing, Arvid takes an axe and threatens the old mistress.

Rage and Restraint from "The Emigrants". Rage and Restraint Violence nearly unleashed Drunk and despairing, Arvid takes an axe and threatens the old mistress.

Rage and Restraint Violence nearly unleashed Drunk and despairing, Arvid takes an axe and threatens the old mistress. Robert Nilsson stops him before he reaches the house. A future reconsidered Arvid admits how deeply the accusation has damaged him. His despair becomes a reason to leave rather than to retaliate.

A Servant Without Savings A Servant Without Savings from "The Emigrants". A Servant Without Savings Hope meets cost Arvid wants to emigrate but cannot save the passage money.

A Servant Without Savings from "The Emigrants". A Servant Without Savings Hope meets cost Arvid wants to emigrate but cannot save the passage money.

A Servant Without Savings Hope meets cost Arvid wants to emigrate but cannot save the passage money. His low wages and small indulgences make the imagined journey seem unreachable. An unexpected opening Danjel Andreasson offers to take him along. The invitation gives Arvid access to a future he could not finance alone.

A Passenger at Sea A Passenger at Sea from "The Emigrants". A Passenger at Sea A changed status Arvid travels as a passenger rather than a hired hand and delights in being fed without labor.

A Passenger at Sea from "The Emigrants". A Passenger at Sea A changed status Arvid travels as a passenger rather than a hired hand and delights in being fed without labor.

A Passenger at Sea A changed status Arvid travels as a passenger rather than a hired hand and delights in being fed without labor. The difference, however modest, reveals how little rest his former life allowed. Freedom remains complicated Shipboard discipline and danger replace the farmer’s authority. He has escaped one system of service without yet reaching a settled life.

Before Robert Nilsson arrives at Nybacken

Summer 1848, in the stable room

One summer night in 1848

1849, while working for Danjel Andreasson

April–June 1850, aboard the Charlotta