Synthesized answer
The publisher's note establishes an "implicit contract" with the reader by highlighting Bjornson's "special arrangement" with the author and his "personal attention" to the edition [1]. This indicates a promise of fidelity and authenticity, suggesting that the text has been directly overseen by the author himself, through his translator, Prof. Rasmus B. Anderson [1]. The note explicitly states that Bjornson "cooperates with him, and revises each work before it is translated" [1]. Furthermore, it mentions that "previous translations have been consulted" to adopt "a few happy words and phrases" [1].
This information is considered important enough to highlight before the story begins because it assures the reader of the highest possible quality and faithfulness to the original work, directly authorized and reviewed by Bjornson. It signals that this edition is not just a translation, but one that has received the author's personal endorsement and revision, thereby guaranteeing a text that is as close to the author's intent as possible. The passages do not explicitly use the term "implicit contract," but the publisher's detailed explanation of the author's involvement serves this…
Synthesized from the book passages below. Chat with the book on Feynman for follow-up.
From the book
A HAPPY BOY BY BJORNSTJERNE BJORNSON TRANSLATED FROM THE NORSE BY RASMUS B. ANDERSON AUTHOR'S EDITION PUBLISHER'S NOTE. The present edition of Bjornstjerne Bjornson's works is published by special arrangement with the author. Mr. Bjornson has designated Prof. Rasmus B. Anderson as his American translator, cooperates with him, and revises each work before it is translated, thus giving his personal attention to this edition. PREFACE. "A Happy Boy" was written in 1859 and 1860. It is, in my estimation, Bjornson's best story of peasant life. In it the…
us translations have been consulted, and that in this manner a few happy words and phrases have been found and adopted. This volume will be followed by "The Fisher Maiden," in which Bjornson makes a new departure, and exhibits his powers in a somewhat different vein of story-telling. RASMUS B. ANDERSON. ASGARD, MADISON, WISCONSIN, November, 1881. A HAPPY BOY. CHAPTER I. His name was Oyvind, and he cried when he was born. But no sooner did he sit up on his mother's lap than he laughed, and when the candle was lit in the evening the room rang with his laughter, but he cried when he was…
-pipes; I shall give lectures and work; I shall fairly besiege the old man with good deeds." "Those are brave words. What more, Oyvind?" "Why, the rest simply concerns us two. You must not go away." "Not if he orders it?" "And keep nothing secret that concerns us two." "Even if he torments me?" "We gain more and defend ourselves better by allowing everything to be open. We must manage to be so constantly before the eyes of people, that they are constantly forced to talk about how fond we are of each other; so much the sooner will they wish that all may go well with us.…
Norway, meaning: "You are welcome."] It was an autumn day without sunshine, as when the weather is about to change. Clouds gathered together and dispersed again; sometimes out of one great mass were formed twenty smaller ones, which sped across the sky with orders for a storm; but below, on the earth, it was still calm, the foliage hung lifeless, not a leaf stirring; the air was a trifle sultry; people carried their outer wraps with them but did not use them. An unusually large multitude had assembled round the church, which stood in an open space; but the confirmation children…
to make a covenant with your God. Do you think you could, Oyvind?" "No," the boy stammered, as well as he was able. "And if you stood there with vain joy, over being number one, would you not be coming forward with a sin?" "Yes, I should," whispered Oyvind, and his lips quivered. "You still love me, Oyvind?" "Yes;" here he looked up for the first time. "Then I will tell you that it was I who had you put down; for I am very fond of you, Oyvind." The other looked at him, blinked several times, and the tears rolled down in rapid succession. "You are not displeased with me for…
More questions about this book
- The preface praises the author's "profound psychological insight" and ability to draw characters with "remarkable distinctness." How does the very first chapter, through Oyvind's initial reactions and Marit's elaborate self-introduction, immediately begin to demonstrate or lay the groundwork for these specific literary strengths?
- Consider Oyvind's initial contrasting reactions—crying at birth, laughing at the candle, crying when denied it—and his mother's prophecy. If you were explaining the *narrative efficiency* of these brief opening details, how would you argue they establish Oyvind's fundamental nature and hint at potential future conflicts or desires, rather than simply being early anecdotes?
- The text introduces elements like a "barren cliff" overhanging the house, a goat kept on the roof, and Marit describing herself as "the hulder of the house." How might these seemingly distinct details of setting and character description collaboratively contribute to the story's initial atmosphere or subtly foreshadow deeper symbolic meanings or thematic explorations?
- Given the title "A Happy Boy," how does the author's immediate portrayal of Oyvind's complex emotional responses—from birth cries to laughter and thwarted desires—immediately challenge or expand a simplistic definition of "happiness," suggesting a more nuanced exploration of the concept from the very beginning of the narrative?