J.P. Jacobsen's Writings

By : Jørn Vosmar

The entire scene is an outstandingly artistically executed piece of beadwork. If, like Jakob Knudsen and Pontoppidan, one subscribes to the ideal of simple, epic delineation, JPJ´s method of working is intolerable. But if one approves of his artistic aims, there is nothing for it but to bow in admiration. Atmosphere is not suggested by a single word, much less is it named, but it is present throughout, built into every sentence in the scene and on every one of its levels: sound, sense, modes and the overall design of the world. After together having had this experience of being so close to the miracle, Erik and Fennimore simply must seek final fulfilment by reaching out for each other. If we want put JPJ´s mastery into relief, we can compare this with Sophus Michaëlis´ portrayal of phosphorescence in "Vanemennesker" (Creatures of Habit), where, undoubtedly inspired by JPJ, he attempts to produce the same atmosphere, but breaks all the rules that JPJ has allowed to guide him in his portrayal.

Translated by W. Glyn Jones