The outcast

"The Outcast" by Selma Lagerlöf is a compelling story happening in the early 1900s on the Swedish island of Grimön. It centers on Joel and Mor Elversson, a couple struggling with tough choices from their past and what has happened to their son, Sven. The book looks at big ideas like being left behind, how society judges people, and the tricky parts of family love. It spends a lot of time on Sven, who comes home under difficult conditions. The story begins by showing Joel and Mor, who have very different personalities, talking about everyday things. When they talk about Sven, the son they gave to a rich family, it becomes clear they are stressed and sorry inside. Mor is especially upset about what they did, especially after hearing that Sven had a hard time coming back from an Arctic trip that went wrong. Their conversation suggests they are both emotionally hurt by being rejected by society and haunted by memories of their son, which creates a sad mood as we learn about Sven's problems and his desire to be accepted.