Knut Hamsun Quotes

A collection of quotes by Knut Hamsun.

Knut Hamsun (1859-1952) was a Norwegian author and one of the most prominent figures in Scandinavian literature. Born in the north of Norway, Hamsun developed a passion for literature from a young age and began working as a writer and journalist in his early twenties.

Hamsun gained international recognition with his groundbreaking novel, "Hunger" (1890), which explored the psychological depths of human existence. He further solidified his reputation as a literary innovator with works like "Mysteries" (1892) and "Pan" (1894), showcasing his unique writing style and profound exploration of human thought and emotions.

In 1920, Hamsun was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for his remarkable evocation of the author's mind in his novels and his rich imagination. However, his support for the Nazi regime during World War II tarnished his reputation later in life. Hamsun met Adolf Hitler and published articles expressing his admiration for Germany's actions, leading to considerable controversy and condemnation.

Despite the controversy surrounding his political beliefs, Hamsun's literary contributions remain significant, and his novels continue to be studied and appreciated for their psychological depth and poetic language. Hamsun's legacy is characterized by his distinctive storytelling style, which combines elements of realism, symbolism, and stream-of-consciousness techniques.