Chapter 7, About A Wheat Field And A Bowl of Barley Porridge Summary

In Chapter 7, we follow Karl's struggle with his poverty. He feels responsible for his family that is now facing hunger. Kristina fears the uncertainty of travel to an unknown land. Famine spreads among the farmers. Karl becomes even more convinced now that America would be their salvation from their current life that can only bring them suffering that ends with a room they obtain when they are old, just like their parents.

Kristina has a son, Anders Harald. While they attend christening, their daughter Anna eats too much porridge prepared for the guests, and dies from stomach swell following her starvation. While Karl makes a coffin for Anna, Kristina makes up her mind that she too wants to go to America.

Chapter 7, About A Wheat Field And A Bowl of Barley Porridge Analysis