Victoria

Historical Context and Significance

The novel «Victoria» by Knut Hamsun, published in 1898, is one of the significant works of Norwegian literature at the end of the 19th century. It is a classic example of romantic literature, exploring themes of love, class differences, and human destiny. The love story between Johannes, the miller's son, and Victoria, the landowner's daughter, reflects the social barriers and internal conflicts characteristic of that time. The book influenced the development of romantic literature in Scandinavia and beyond, emphasizing the importance of emotional depth and psychological complexity of characters. «Victoria» also contributed to the popularization of Norwegian literature on the international stage, solidifying Hamsun's reputation as one of the leading writers of his time.