The Kiss by Hjalmar Soderberg (1908)
The novel revolves around the complex relationships between two couples: a young couple and an older married couple. The story explores themes of love, desire, and the constraints of societal norms. It delves into the inner lives of its characters, revealing their thoughts, feelings, and motivations as they navigate their relationships with each other. The narrative is structured around a pivotal moment in which one of the couples shares a kiss, sparking a chain reaction of events that exposes the underlying tensions and desires within the group. Through this central event, the novel examines the fragility of human connections and the ways in which societal expectations can both enable and constrain our relationships. Ultimately, the story raises questions about the nature of love, intimacy, and the human experience, leaving readers to ponder the complexities of the characters' emotions and actions.
By Hjalmar Soderberg · First published 1908 · Genre: Romance, Psychological Fiction, Literary Fiction · 907 words
First lines
There was once a young girl and a very young man. They sat on a stone on a promontory that ran out into the lake, and the waves splashed at their feet. They sat silent, each wrapped in thought, and watched the sun go down.
He thought that he should very much like to kiss her. When he looked at her mouth, it occurred to him that this was just what it was meant for. He had, to be sure, seen girls prettier than she was, and he was really in love with someone else; but this other he could surely never kiss, because she was an ideal, a star, and what availed "the desire of the moth for the star"?
What this Textopian page supports
The Kiss is listed on Textopian as a short story by Hjalmar Soderberg, dated 1908 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Hjalmar Soderberg
- Date: 1908 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Romance, Psychological Fiction, Literary Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Drama
- Length: 907 words
- Structure: 1 section, 20 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Kiss by Hjalmar Soderberg
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Kiss?
- How does this short story by Hjalmar Soderberg fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Romance first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Wages Of Sin by Hjalmar Soderberg
- The Romance Of His Life by Mary Cholmondeley
- The Fur Coat by Hjalmar Soderberg
- Bloom by Hjalmar Soderberg
- Words Of Love by Guy De Maupassant
- Signy by Hjalmar Soderberg
Genres
- Romance — The central theme revolves around the romantic tension and emotional dynamics between the young couple.
- Psychological Fiction — The narrative delves into the characters' inner thoughts and feelings, exploring their psychological states and motivations.
- Literary Fiction — The writing style is introspective and character-driven, focusing on the subtleties of human relationships and emotions.
- Coming-of-Age — The characters are in a transitional phase of their lives, grappling with their feelings and identities.
Tags
Psychological Fiction · Realism · Swedish Literature · Marriage · Infidelity · Love Triangle · Social Commentary · Class Conflict · Moral Ambiguity · Philosophical Themes · Existential Crisis · Inner Turmoil