How we cite our quotes: (Book.Chapter.Section.Paragraph)
Quote #7
"Oh, pshaw! […] That was only Hans and me fighting!" (1.5.8.8)
When Per Hansa sees the cuts and bruises on them, Store-Hans and Ole just say they were fighting. They are protecting their mother Beret, even though she is responsible for the cuts and bruises. This gesture goes to show that the boys feel deep loyalty to their mom even though she hits them.
Quote #8
Beret must try to imagine how lonesome she was, sitting at home all alone with that useless husband of hers—and no little newcomer to wait for! (1.6.3.19)
Even though Beret feels sorry for herself, Kjersti wants to remind her that things could always be worse. At least Beret has children to care for. All Kjersti can do is sit around all day with no one to care for, either because her husband won't have sex with her or because one of them is infertile. The book never makes the thing clear.
Quote #9
Per Hansa stood for a long time looking at his wife, hardly daring to believe what he saw. She slept peacefully; a small bundle lay beside her, from which peeped out a tiny, red, wrinkled face. (1.6.12.1)
After Per Hansa's new baby is born, the man can't believe that everything has worked out. He was certain that either the baby or Beret was going to die during the birth. But it looks as though fate has a different plan for them.