The Nilsson Brothers Become Allies

The Emigrants

This flow traces the distance between Karl Oskar Nilsson and Robert Nilsson as they grow from near-strangers into brothers who choose the same future.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Separated by Age and Work Separated by Age and Work from "The Emigrants". Separated by Age and Work Different lives at home Karl Oskar Nilsson is ten years older and leaves home while Robert Nilsson is still growing up.

Separated by Age and Work from "The Emigrants". Separated by Age and Work Different lives at home Karl Oskar Nilsson is ten years older and leaves home while Robert Nilsson is still growing up.

Separated by Age and Work Different lives at home Karl Oskar Nilsson is ten years older and leaves home while Robert Nilsson is still growing up. Their lives do not develop as close companions. Admiration at a distance Robert watches his older brother’s independence but also sees his burdens as a farmer. Their relationship begins with both distance and unspoken respect.

A Brother Protects Robert A Brother Protects Robert from "The Emigrants". A Brother Protects Robert The injury revealed Robert Nilsson returns from Nybacken with his back marked by Aron’s blows.

A Brother Protects Robert from "The Emigrants". A Brother Protects Robert The injury revealed Robert Nilsson returns from Nybacken with his back marked by Aron’s blows.

A Brother Protects Robert The injury revealed Robert Nilsson returns from Nybacken with his back marked by Aron’s blows. Karl Oskar Nilsson treats the injury as an insult to the whole family. Protection becomes intimacy Karl Oskar confronts Aron and later helps Robert avoid the sheriff. Robert experiences his older brother as a protector for the first time.

A Secret Shared A Secret Shared from "The Emigrants". A Secret Shared Robert speaks plainly Robert Nilsson tells Karl Oskar Nilsson he wants his inheritance so he can emigrate.

A Secret Shared from "The Emigrants". A Secret Shared Robert speaks plainly Robert Nilsson tells Karl Oskar Nilsson he wants his inheritance so he can emigrate.

A Secret Shared Robert speaks plainly Robert Nilsson tells Karl Oskar Nilsson he wants his inheritance so he can emigrate. The request is the first time he speaks openly about the plan he has carried privately. A surprising answer Karl Oskar reveals that he has been considering the same journey. Shared intention replaces their earlier reserve with a new closeness.

Traveling Together Traveling Together from "The Emigrants". Traveling Together A joint departure The brothers travel in the same emigrant company, no longer divided by the older one’s farm and the younger one’s service.

Traveling Together from "The Emigrants". Traveling Together A joint departure The brothers travel in the same emigrant company, no longer divided by the older one’s farm and the younger one’s service.

Traveling Together A joint departure The brothers travel in the same emigrant company, no longer divided by the older one’s farm and the younger one’s service. Their departure makes their shared choice visible. New dependence Robert helps with the children and takes part in the family’s movement. The bond formed in the crisis now has practical work to do.

Brothers on the New Shore Brothers on the New Shore from "The Emigrants". Brothers on the New Shore A shared arrival Karl Oskar Nilsson and Robert Nilsson reach America after a journey that began with separate grievances and a…

Brothers on the New Shore from "The Emigrants". Brothers on the New Shore A shared arrival Karl Oskar Nilsson and Robert Nilsson reach America after a journey that began with separate grievances and a…

Brothers on the New Shore A shared arrival Karl Oskar Nilsson and Robert Nilsson reach America after a journey that began with separate grievances and a late-night conversation. The brothers now face the same unknown future. A relationship still developing The family has survived the crossing, but work and settlement remain ahead. Their new closeness must continue beyond the protected space of the voyage.

Robert’s childhood and early service years

Autumn 1848, after Robert returns with a beaten back

Late at night, after the sheriff searches Korpamoen

April 4, 1850, on the road to Karlshamn

Midsummer Eve, 1850, in New York