The “Self-Other” Opposition in the Novel Burn, Fire by Aili Nordgren

Abstract

Realization of the opposition “one's own —alien” in the novel Burn, Fire (Brinneld, 1951) by a Finnish writer Aili Nordgren is analyzed. The author’s cultural and historical background as well as the thematic aspects related to social conflict and identity formation are considered. The analysis is focused on the manifestation of the opposition “one’s own — alien” in the characters’ defining national and cultural identity in an internally differentiated Finnish society. The social conflict between the torparis (crofters) and the wealthy peasants is traced, in which the “other” hero — a representative of the movement for the rights of peasants and workers from the mainland of Finland — intervenes. The presence of this character complicates the described social conflict, but at the same time it is he who becomes the driving force that motivates the other characters to become active. In addition to the social conflict Aili Nordgren draws on a contrast etween Åland Islands, Finland and Sweden in descri ing the process of the main protagonist’s identity formation. The cultural and historical context helps to reveal the internal conflicts of the protagonists and interpersonal relationships. Overcoming the oundary etween “own” and “alien” in the perspective leads to the strengthening of social unity and contri utes to the achievement of the author’s declared goals and realization of her values.