BANG, HERMAN

(1857-1912)

A Danish novelist, short story writer, poet, dramatist, andcritic, Bang made a lackluster attempt at becoming an actor. He had considerable success as a cultural journalist in the Copenhagen press, however, and some of his journalism has been collected in the volumesRealisme og Realister(1979; Realism and Realists),Kritiske Studier(1880; Critical Studies), andHerhjemme og Derude(1881; At Home and Abroad).

Bang's first novel made use of his own experience as the child in a family where mental and physical illness were present. EntitledHaabløse Slægter(1880; Hopeless Generations), the book depicts both personal and family decline and is one of the first manifestations of the literature of decadence in Scandinavia.It was followed by the novelFædra(1883) and the short story collectionsExcentriske Noveller(1885; Eccentric Stories) andStille Eksistenser(1886; Quiet Existences), in which sexual desire is a significant theme.Stille Eksistenserincludes the novella "Ved Vejen," (tr.Kathinka, 1990), an early example ofimpressionismin Scandinavian literature. Showing the influence of his Norwegian colleagueJonas Lie, Bang's novelStuk(1887; Stucco) is an indictment of the foolish avarice of an entire city, Copenhagen in the 1880s. The novelTine(1889; tr.Tina, 1984), on the other hand, portrays a doomed love affair during the 1864warbetween Denmark and Prussia. Seduced by her master, the servant Tine commits suicide when she realizes that the man she loves has no lasting interest in her. The short stories inUnder Aaget(1890; Under the Yoke) and the novelLudvigsbakke(1896; tr.Ida Brandt, 1928) are equally pessimistic about the possibility for human happiness.

Several novels by Bang are partly autobiographical.Det hvide Hus(1898; The White House) andDetgraaHus(1901; The Grey House) offer realistic representations of Bang's childhood.Mikael(1904) andDe uden Fædreland(1906; tr.Denied a Country, 1927) depict socially marginalized artists hungry for love.

See alsoWillumsen, Dorrit.