Burial Rites

Agnes’s life is defined by abandonment from an early age. Her father was unknown and not involved in her life, and her mother soon abandoned her and her brother. She was later taken in by a kind foster mother who she lost to death in childbirth. Her foster father was a cruel man who let her believe she was responsible for the death of his wife and their child before eventually abandoning her to the parish. The loss of her child when he was only a few years old compounded her traumatic experiences and her sense that she was destined to be alone. A hopeful reunion with her half-brother ended when he robbed her and absconded, leaving her alone and vulnerable to Natan’s advances. Her relationship with Natan was marked by betrayal and constant reversals in fortune, as she fought for his attention and affection.

The poverty of Agnes’s life—both emotionally and materially—is contrasted with the other family relationships seen in the story. Toti’s father is not a gentle man, but he is unfailingly honest and gives his son the often blunt push he needs to embrace his responsibilities. He shows deep concern for his son during Toti’s illness. The Jonsson family is shown as deeply connected to and fiercely protective of each other.