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Cover of Jerusalem

Jerusalem

Written by Selma Lagerlöf

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Swedish fiction

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About this book

"Jerusalem" by Selma Lagerlöf is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story begins with the plight of the Ingmarsson family, specifically focusing on Ingmar Ingmarsson, as he grapples with his conscience and the impact of past events on his life and community. Themes of idealism, sacrifice, and the struggle between tradition and faith resonate throughout the narrative. The opening of the novel introduces Ingmar Ingmarsson as he plows his fields, reflecting on his family's legacy and his feelings of inadequacy compared to his father and grandfather. Amidst his musings, he reveals the troubling past involving Brita, a woman he courted who ended up in prison for infanticide, a result of a devastating situation that he feels responsible for. His internal conflict is palpable as he ponders the societal repercussions of his actions and grapples with the expectations tied to his family's name. The scene sets up not only the personal struggles of Ingmar but also hints at the broader context of the religious revival that impacts his rural community, hinting at themes of redemption and moral duty that will unfold in the subsequent chapters.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Jerusalem, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 12 hours
  • advanced
  • spiritual
  • reflective
  • tragic

Selma Lagerlöf's "Jerusalem" is an epic two-part novel chronicling the profound spiritual and social upheavals within a rural Swedish community in the late 19th century. It begins with Ingmar Ingmarsson's moral struggle with his family's legacy and personal guilt, setting the stage for a powerful religious revival that sweeps through his village of Nås. This revival culminates in a significant portion of the community selling their ancestral farms and embarking on a transformative pilgrimage to Jerusalem, driven by idealistic spiritual fervor. The narrative meticulously explores the dramatic clash between deeply rooted traditions, personal loyalties, and the fervent call of faith, examining the sacrifices made and the profound consequences of such radical devotion on individuals and the collective psyche. Ultimately, it delves into themes of redemption, the nature of sacrifice, and the enduring search for spiritual meaning amidst earthly trials.

“"It is not so easy to break away from the soil which has nourished one's ancestors for thousands of years."”

Key themes

Faith vs. Tradition
This central theme explores the profound conflict between the deeply rooted traditions and ancestral ties of the Swedish peasant community and the fervent, radical demands of a new spiritual awakening. It questions whether true faith requires abandoning one's heritage and earthly duties.
Sacrifice and Redemption
The novel meticulously examines various forms of sacrifice—from giving up earthly possessions and loved ones to sacrificing one's life or personal happiness for a higher cause. It explores whether such sacrifices truly lead to spiritual redemption or if they can lead to profound loss and disillusionment.
Community vs. Individual
This theme explores the dynamic tension between the needs and desires of the individual and the powerful pull of community identity, collective belief, and social expectations. It questions the extent to which individuals can or should defy communal norms for personal conviction or love.

Worth discussing

How does Lagerlöf portray the concept of 'home' and 'belonging' throughout the novel, especially in the context of the emigration to Jerusalem?

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