The Emigrants: A Novel Chapter Summary & Analysis - Part 1: Chapter 1, King In His Stone Kingdom Summary

Part 1: Chapter 1, King In His Stone Kingdom Summary

Karl Oskar inherits his land in 1844, the same year when King Oskar I ascends the throne of Sweden and Norway. With the property Karl also inherits a debt worth three quarters of its value. He must work for as long as he lives to repay it.

Chapter one depicts Karl's family Nilsa, who lived in Ljuder, Smaland for generations. Its presence there predates the discovery of America. His parents, Marta and Nils Jakob's son own a homestead called Korpamoen. He receives two royal names that are to assure him success while inheriting a long Nilsa nose that is to bring him luck. His father works hard all his life clearing their land from the rocks until one day he breaks his hipbone and becomes a cripple. He has one brother, Robert, and one sister, Lydia. Karl's way of doing things clashes with his father's views leading to his...
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