“Tõde ja õigus IV ” Anton Tammsaare (nr. 979)

“Tõde ja õgis” IV is the penultimate part of the five-part novel series “Tõde ja õgis” by Estonian literary classic A.H. Tammsaare, which was published in 1932. Part IV of “Truth and Justice” has been rated as one of Tammsaare’s best works, and critics have called it the best in the novel cycle. In the work, the author examines the influence of society on man and man’s search for happiness

The scene of the work takes place in Tallinn, an independent Estonia, during the economic recession. Based on this, the work discusses the division and equality of property between husband and wife. Karin is the wealthier side of the marriage, but still she has to get her husband’s permission to make bonds on the house. The role of women in society is another main theme in the book. Karin’s mother thinks that a woman’s independence and financial independence is a misfortune, and traditionally a man has to take care of a woman. Society also expects that a man must take his wife to society and control her there. Indrek considers the society of the era to be superficial and does not fulfill the role expected by society. The role of women and men in society is a question that permeates the work. If in part I of “Truth and justice” Krõõt and Mari portray the role of mothers, in part IV Karin opposes them and portrays the role of a woman in society and a woman as a man-catcher.

Part IV of “Truth and Right” describes the marriage of Indrek and Karin. How next to love is the fear that the other will not love. Karin wants Indrek to adore her, and her affairs are looking for an answer to the question of whether Indrek loves her. All in all, Karin and Indreku’s marriage was not broken by jealousy, but by Karin’s words: “Who are you going to kill now”. With these words, she broke the promise she made to Indrek to keep Indrek’s secret, which had united them at the beginning of their marriage.

Tammsaare’s work shows how people’s love is different and how not a single person understands each other, neither women men nor men women.
Language: Estonian