Niels Lindsedt’s dreams
Niels Lindstedt's dreams symbolize unrealistic and unpredictable human nature. Niels has invested everything, including his physical strength, towards his objectives, but his dreams turn out to be just nightmares because of the world's imperfection.
Niels’s Mansion
Niels's mansion symbolizes the fruits of hard labor. The author depicts Niels as a hardworking man determined to escape poverty and live a perfect life. After working so hard on his farm, Niels gets a good harvest, and he achieves his goal of building his dream house.
The symbolism of Ellen Amundsen
Ellen emblematically represents marriage the effects of marital issues. Ellen does not want to get married because she thinks that she will suffer like her mother. Ellen's father was an abusive husband, and he subjected his wife to suffering. Ellen's mother died when her husband forced her to abort. Before her mother died, Ellen promised herself that she would never get married. Therefore, Ellen is suffering from trauma, and she fears that all men are brutal and abusive. Therefore, she turns down Niels' marriage proposal.
Clara Vogel
Clara Vogel is a symbolic character who represents opportunism. Clara is depicted as an aggressive sexual woman who wants to take advantage of Niels' naivety and squander all his wealth. Clara realizes that Niels loves Ellen, and she plans to use Niels' property for her selfish gains.
Vogel’s killing
Vogel's killing symbolizes anger and its negative effects. When Niels realizes that his Vogel has converted his dream house into a night brothel, he storms the residence and kills Vogel instantly due to anger. Niels is arrested and jailed for ten years. Therefore, the author reminds readers to think first before acting and ensure that they take reasonable actions despite their level of anger.
