Introduction Both texts explore the causal effects and relationship between individuals’ agency and their respective societal constraints by focusing on the oppressive social norms and the character development of individuals produced from the vicissitudes that emerge from their condemning, judgmental societies. In order to challenge…
Essays on Burial Rites
by Hannah Kent
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Brief overview
Set against the bleak Icelandic landscape, Kent’s “Burial Rites” explores the life of condemned women, Agnes Magnusdottir. By allowing Agnes to have a voice – readers are able to understand her death as a product of not only her own choices but the society in…
The inclusion of Agnes’ first person narration positions us to feel more sympathy for her.’ To what extent do you agree? Hannah Kent’s speculative biography ‘Burial Rites’, tells the tragic story behind Agnes Magnusdottir’s final months of life. Throughout her novel, Kent presents a critical…
Best topics on Burial Rites
Author
Hannah Kent
Country
Australia
Original language
English
Genre
Novel
Publication date
2013
Major Characters
Agnes Magnúsdottir, Natan Ketilsson, Björn Blöndal, Assistant Reverend Thorvardur Jónsson (Tóti), Steina Jónsdóttir, Lauga, Jónsdóttir, Jón Jónsson, Margrét, Reverend Jón, Rósa Gudmundsdóttir, Sigrídur Gudmundsdóttir (Sigga), Sigurdsson, Björn, Inga, Ingveldur Rafnsdóttir, Jóas, Uncle Ragnar, Worm Beck, María Jónsdóttir, Daníel Gudmundsson
Plot
The novel follows the story of Agnes Magnúsdóttir, the last woman put to death in Iceland. Agnes was a servant who was convicted of the murder of two men, one of whom was her employer.
