About the Author
Selma Lagerlöf (1858-1940) was a renowned Swedish author who made history as the first woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1909. She was also the first woman granted membership in the Swedish Academy. Born on November 20, 1858, she received private education (unusual for girls of her time) and later studied at The Royal Advanced Female Teachers' Seminary in Stockholm (1882-1885). She taught at a Swedish high school for girls in Landskrona. Her notable works include "The Story of Gösta Berling" and "The Invisible Links." She passed away on March 16, 1940.
Debts of Gratitude by Selma Lagerlof Summary (English)
"Debts of Gratitude" is Selma Lagerlöf's Nobel Prize acceptance speech delivered in 1909. The speech is structured as an imaginary conversation with her deceased father during her train journey to Stockholm to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature.
The narrative begins with Lagerlöf sitting in a train compartment, reflecting on her previous visits to Stockholm for difficult tasks like examinations. This time, however, she's traveling to receive the Nobel Prize. Despite her joy, she feels sorrow that her father isn't alive to share this moment.
As the train glides smoothly through the evening, she enters a dreamlike state and imagines meeting her father in Paradise. In this imagined conversation, she expresses her various "debts" to different sources that shaped her as a writer:
- Literary Debt: To her father who introduced her to music, fairy tales, and literature through Bellman's songs, Tegner, Runeberg, and Andersen
- Cultural Debt: To wandering vagabonds, storytellers, and folk culture that taught her about poetry in nature
- Natural Debt: To animals, birds, trees, and flowers that revealed their secrets to her
- Reader Debt: To those who read and supported her work
- Critical Debt: To critics and supporters worldwide, both for praise and constructive criticism
- Personal Debt: To friends like Esselde who believed in her when others didn't
- Ultimate Debt: The Nobel Prize itself - the trust, honor, and responsibility it represents
Throughout the imagined dialogue, her father initially suggests remedies but becomes increasingly concerned as he realizes the magnitude of these debts. Finally, overwhelmed by joy at his daughter's achievement, he declares that some debts cannot be solved and chooses to celebrate rather than worry.
The speech concludes with Lagerlöf addressing the actual audience, proposing a toast to the Swedish Academy, having found no better solution to her "debts" than her father's joyful acceptance.
സംഗ്രഹം (മലയാളം)
"കൃതജ്ഞതയുടെ കടങ്ങൾ" സെൽമ ലാഗർലോഫിന്റെ 1909-ലെ നോബൽ സമ്മാന സ്വീകരണ പ്രസംഗമാണ്. ഈ പ്രസംഗം സാഹിത്യത്തിനുള്ള നോബൽ സമ്മാനം സ്വീകരിക്കാൻ സ്റ്റോക്ക്ഹോമിലേക്കുള്ള ട്രെയിൻ യാത്രയ്ക്കിടെ അവളുടെ മരിച്ചുപോയ പിതാവുമായുള്ള സങ്കൽപ്പിക സംഭാഷണമായി അവതരിപ്പിച്ചിരിക്കുന്നു.
കഥാനായിക ട്രെയിൻ കമ്പാർട്ട്മെന്റിൽ ഇരുന്ന് സ്റ്റോക്ക്ഹോമിലേക്കുള്ള മുമ്പത്തെ യാത്രകളെക്കുറിച്ച് ചിന്തിക്കുന്നതിൽ നിന്നാണ് ആഖ്യാനം ആരംഭിക്കുന്നു. പരീക്ഷകൾ പോലുള്ള ബുദ്ധിമുട്ടുള്ള കാര്യങ്ങൾക്കായിരുന്നു മുമ്പത്തെ യാത്രകൾ. ഇത്തവണ നോബൽ സമ്മാനം സ്വീകരിക്കാനാണ്. സന്തോഷം ഉണ്ടെങ്കിലും ഈ നിമിഷം പങ്കുവയ്ക്കാൻ പിതാവ് ജീവിച്ചിരിപ്പില്ല എന്ന ദുഃখവും അനുഭവപ്പെടുന്നു.
സന്ധ്യാകാശത്തിലൂടെ ട്രെയിൻ സുഗമമായി നീങ്ങുമ്പോൾ, അവൾ സ്വപ്നതുല്യമായ അവസ്ഥയിൽ പ്രവേശിച്ച് സ്വർഗത്തിൽ പിതാവിനെ കാണുന്നതായി സങ്കൽപ്പിക്കുന്നു. ഈ സങ്കൽപ്പിത സംഭാഷണത്തിൽ, ഒരു എഴുത്തുകാരിയായി അവളെ രൂപപ്പെടുത്തിയ വിവിധ സ്രോതസ്സുകളോടുള്ള അവളുടെ "കടങ്ങൾ" പ്രകടിപ്പിക്കുന്നു:
- സാഹിത്യ കടം: സംഗീതം, യക്ഷിക്കഥകൾ, സാഹിത്യം എന്നിവയിലേക്ക് അവളെ പരിചയപ്പെടുത്തിയ പിതാവിനോട്
- സാംസ്കാരിക കടം: അലഞ്ഞുതിരിയുന്ന കലാകാരന്മാർ, കഥാകാരന്മാർ, നാടോടി സംസ്കാരം എന്നിവയോട്
- പ്രകൃതി കടം: അവയുടെ രഹസ്യങ്ങൾ വെളിപ്പെടുത്തിയ മൃഗങ്ങൾ, പക്ഷികൾ, മരങ്ങൾ, പുഷ്പങ്ങൾ എന്നിവയോട്
- വായനക്കാരുടെ കടം: അവളുടെ കൃതികൾ വായിച്ച് പിന്തുണച്ചവരോട്
- വിമർശക കടം: പ്രശംസയ്ക്കും സൃഷ്ടിപരമായ വിമർശനത്തിനും
- വ്യക്തിപരമായ കടം: മറ്റുള്ളവർ വിശ്വസിക്കാതിരുന്നപ്പോൾ അവളിൽ വിശ്വസിച്ച എസ്സെൽഡെ പോലുള്ള സുഹൃത്തുക്കളോട്
- പരമമായ കടം: നോബൽ സമ്മാനം തന്നെ - അതു പ്രതിനിധീകരിക്കുന്ന വിശ്വാസം, ബഹുമതി, ഉത്തരവാദിത്വം
സങ്കൽപ്പിത സംഭാഷണത്തിലുടനീളം, പിതാവ് തുടക്കത്തിൽ പരിഹാരങ്ങൾ നിർദ്ദേശിക്കുന്നുവെങ്കിലും ഈ കടങ്ങളുടെ വ്യാപ്തി മനസ്സിലാക്കുമ്പോൾ ക്രമേണ ആശങ്കപ്പെടുന്നു. അവസാനം, മകളുടെ നേട്ടത്തിലുള്ള സന്തോഷത്താൽ നിറഞ്ഞ്, ചില കടങ്ങൾക്ക് പരിഹാരമില്ലെന്നും ആശങ്കപ്പെടുന്നതിനേക്കാൾ ആഘോഷിക്കുന്നതാണ് നല്ലതെന്നും അദ്ദേഹം പ്രഖ്യാപിക്കുന്നു.
പിതാവിന്റെ സന്തോഷകരമായ സ്വീകാര്യതയേക്കാൾ മികച്ച പരിഹാരം കണ്ടെത്താത്തതിനാൽ, സ്വീഡിഷ് അക്കാദമിക്ക് ആശംസകൾ നേരുന്നതോടെ ലാഗർലോഫ് തന്റെ പ്രസംഗം അവസാനിപ്പിക്കുന്നു.
Questions and Answers
While We Read Questions:
a. How did the speaker's visit to Stockholm differ from her earlier visits?
Earlier visits to Stockholm were for difficult tasks like passing examinations, but this time she was traveling to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature - a moment of triumph rather than a test of her abilities.
b. How do you spend time when you go on a long journey? (
Personal response expected - students can mention activities like reading, listening to music, looking out the window, sleeping, talking to fellow passengers, or reflecting on life)
c. Why was she sad at the thought of her father?
She felt deep sorrow because her father was no longer alive to share this momentous achievement. She knew that no one would have been happier than him to hear about her Nobel Prize, and she couldn't tell him the good news.
d. Why does the speaker feel that the coaches no longer seemed to run on rails but glide into space?
The train's movement became so smooth and peaceful that it felt ethereal and dreamlike. This sensation helped transport her into a meditative, almost spiritual state where she could imagine meeting her deceased father.
e. What is your impression of the writer's father?
The father appears as a gentle, cultured, and nurturing figure. He was intellectually inclined (reading, playing piano, singing), supportive of his daughter's interests, and had introduced her to literature and arts. Even in her imagination, he remains caring, wise, and ultimately overwhelmed with joy at her success.
f. What advice does the speaker request of her father?
She asks for advice on how to repay all her "debts of gratitude" - to literature, nature, people who helped her, her readers, critics, and ultimately, the Nobel Prize committee for the honour and trust they bestowed upon her.
g. What is the reason for the change of expression in the father's eyes?
The look of wonder comes when the father realizes that his daughter considers her introduction to literature and fairy tales as a "debt" rather than a gift. He's surprised and pleased that his influence had such a profound positive impact on her life.
h. Do you think there is poetry in hard rocks and black forests? State reasons.
Yes, there is poetry in hard rocks and black forests because:
- Nature has its own rhythm, beauty, and stories to tell
- Hard rocks represent endurance, strength, and ancient wisdom
- Dark forests symbolize mystery, depth, and hidden life
- Artists and writers often find inspiration in seemingly harsh or stark natural elements
- The contrast between hardness and beauty creates poetic tension
i. How does Selma's father console her?
Initially, the father tries to offer practical solutions, saying "there is a remedy for your trouble." However, as the magnitude of her debts becomes clear, he becomes less confident but ultimately consoles her by focusing on joy rather than worry, declaring he's too happy about her achievement to be concerned about unsolvable problems.
j. Why is the speaker thankful even to those who criticized her?
She's grateful for criticism because constructive criticism helps writers grow and improve their craft. Both praise and censure contribute to an artist's development - praise provides encouragement while criticism offers opportunities for reflection and improvement.
k. What makes Father 'less calm'?
The father becomes less calm as he realizes the enormity and complexity of his daughter's debts of gratitude. The overwhelming nature of these obligations - to so many people, to nature, to literature itself - makes him understand that finding solutions won't be easy.
l. How did her friends and readers contribute to Selma Lagerlöf's journey to the Nobel Prize?
- Friends: Faithful friends like Esselde believed in her when no one else did and opened doors for her
- Readers: Without readers, her books would have had no impact; they gave meaning to her work
- Critics and supporters: Both praise and criticism helped shape her as a writer
- International supporters: People in foreign lands worked to promote her literature globally
m. How does Father respond when he discovers his daughter's biggest debt?
When the father learns about the Nobel Prize (her biggest debt), he initially can't believe it. Upon seeing her face and realizing it's true, every wrinkle trembles and tears come to his eyes. Finally, overwhelmed with joy, he bangs his fist on the chair and declares he won't worry about unsolvable problems because he's too happy about her achievement.
n. What does Selma mean by "How shall I repay this debt?"
Selma refers to the enormous responsibility and honor that comes with the Nobel Prize. It's not just money and recognition, but the trust and faith that the Academy has shown by selecting her before the whole world. She wonders how she can live up to this tremendous honor and responsibility.
Let's Rewind Questions:
1. What is the significance of the journey by train? How does it relate to the narrator's thoughts and reflections?
The train journey serves as both a literal and metaphorical framework for the narrative. Literally, it's her journey to Stockholm to receive the Nobel Prize. Metaphorically, it represents:
- A journey through memory and reflection
- The smooth, dreamlike quality allows for introspection
- The movement from present reality into imagined conversation with her father
- A transition from anxiety to acceptance and gratitude
- The rhythm of the train mirrors the flow of her thoughts
2. Explain the writer's feelings of indebtedness to nature. Cite instances from the speech.
Lagerlöf feels deeply indebted to nature because it taught her about poetry and revealed its secrets to her. She mentions:
- "The animals that walk the earth, the birds in the skies, the trees and flowers, they have all told me some of their secrets"
- Learning that "there is poetry in hard rocks and black forests"
- Nature as a source of inspiration and wisdom for her writing
- The natural world as a teacher that contributed to her artistic development
3. Describe the role of the following in shaping Selma's life:
a. Nature: Served as her teacher, revealing secrets and showing her poetry in unexpected places like hard rocks and black forests. Animals, birds, trees, and flowers all contributed to her understanding of the world.
b. Literature: Her father introduced her to fairy tales, sagas, and works by Tegner, Runeberg, and Andersen, creating her first "debt" and love for storytelling.
c. Art: Music (Bellman's songs played by her father), storytelling traditions, and folk performances by wandering vagabonds all enriched her artistic sensibility.
d. Friends and Family: Her father was the primary influence, introducing her to literature and arts. Friends like Esselde believed in her and opened doors when others wouldn't. Her family provided emotional support.
e. Readers: Without readers, her work would have no purpose or impact. They validated her efforts and gave meaning to her literary career.
4. How does Selma express her gratitude?
Selma expresses gratitude by:
- Acknowledging all sources of her inspiration and support
- Recognizing her "debts" to various people and influences
- Delivering this thoughtful acceptance speech that honors everyone who contributed to her success
- Proposing a toast to the Swedish Academy
- Using her platform to celebrate others rather than just herself
5. What do you think the speaker means by "my biggest debt has not yet come..."?
She's referring to the Nobel Prize itself - the ultimate recognition that represents the greatest responsibility and honor. This "biggest debt" is the trust, faith, and expectation that comes with being selected for this prestigious award.
6. What is Selma Lagerlöf's message to her audience and to us?
Her message includes:
- Gratitude: Acknowledge all who contribute to your success
- Interconnectedness: We are all indebted to others - nature, culture, family, friends, readers
- Humility: Great achievements come from many sources, not just individual effort
- Responsibility: Honors bring obligations to live up to the trust placed in us
- Joy over worry: Sometimes it's better to celebrate achievements than worry about how to repay debts of gratitude
- Universal debt: We all owe debts of gratitude to those who shape us
Let's Recall and Recreate - Sample Responses:
1. Introduction for Selma Lagerlöf at Nobel Prize Ceremony
"Your Majesties, Your Royal Highnesses, Distinguished Members of the Swedish Academy, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is my profound honor to introduce a literary pioneer who has not only enriched world literature but also broken barriers for women in the literary world. Tonight, we celebrate Selma Lagerlöf, the first woman to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature.
Born in Sweden in 1858, Miss Lagerlöf has dedicated her life to the art of storytelling, drawing inspiration from Swedish folklore, nature, and the human experience. Her works, including 'The Story of Gösta Berling' and 'The Invisible Links,' have captivated readers worldwide with their rich imagination and deep understanding of the human condition.
Tonight, we honor not just her literary achievements, but her courage to pursue her passion in an era when few believed in women's literary capabilities. Please join me in welcoming Miss Selma Lagerlöf, Nobel Laureate in Literature."
2. Letter to Esselde
"My Dearest Esselde,
As I sit here in Stockholm, having just received the Nobel Prize in Literature, my thoughts turn immediately to you. In my acceptance speech, I spoke of the many debts of gratitude I carry, and none weighs more beautifully on my heart than the debt I owe to you.
When the literary world seemed closed to me, when publishers turned away and critics doubted, you stood as my beacon of hope. You opened doors that others had firmly shut, believed in my voice when others could not hear it, and championed my work with a faith that sustained me through the darkest moments of doubt.
This prize belongs as much to you as it does to me. Your unwavering support and friendship have been the foundation upon which all my literary achievements rest. Without your courage in advocating for me, this moment would never have arrived.
Thank you, my faithful friend, for seeing the writer in me before the world did.
With infinite gratitude and love, Selma"
Themes
- Gratitude and Indebtedness: The central theme exploring how we owe our success to many sources
- Humility in Achievement: Recognizing others' contributions to personal success
- The Power of Literature and Art: How cultural influences shape writers and artists
- Interconnectedness: We are all connected to and dependent on others
- Legacy and Responsibility: Great honors come with great responsibilities
- Memory and Loss: The poignancy of achieving success when loved ones can't share it
- Breaking Barriers: As the first woman Nobel Literature laureate, representing progress
Literary Devices
- Frame Narrative: The train journey frames the imagined conversation
- Allegory: The conversation with father represents internal dialogue about gratitude
- Metaphor: "Debts" represent obligations of gratitude
- Personification: Nature teaching and revealing secrets
- Imagery: Vivid descriptions of the father in Paradise
- Irony: Calling gratitude and honor "debts" that burden her
- Symbolism: The train journey as life's journey, the father as wisdom and acceptance