BANKRUPTCY, A, by BJORNSTJERNE BJORNSON. The appearance of Bjornson's (Bankruptcy) in 1875 marks a new departure in Norwegian literature. For the first time money oecornes the subject of a poetical pro duction, a theme which had previously seemed altogether too prosaic for real poetry, but which Bjornson handles with daring skill. He deals with the financial situation of a modern busi ness man and does not disdain figuring out his assets and his liabilities. The play is, further more, significant because of the fact that it introduces for the first time the modern cul tuned Norwegian home. There had been some portrayals of home life previous to this but only glimpses or at most a picture of home chilled by the iron determination of a Brand. In (Bankruptcy) home takes its place upon the stage in all its fullness of meaning, with its joys and with its sorrows. The theme of the play is a business man's obligation to his fellow men whose moneys are entrusted to his care.
In how far may he risk the funds at his dis posal? Has he the right to do business in such a way that his ventures if unsuccessful will mean losses to his fellows? The spirit of the play is to the contrary, and Bjornson shows admirably how miserable is the life of a man who tries to avoid fundamental moral law. He shows the baneful influence exerted on the man's family and home. The success of 'Bank ruptcy) was spontaneous. The pictures are simply and naturally drawn, and they made an irresistible appeal to the common man. This was no doubt partly due to the sound humor pervading the work Consult Henrik Jaeger,