Major Issues
Author Links
Essay Questions

Major Issues

Like many authors in this anthology, Isak Dinesen wrote against the trend of her mid-20th century contemporaries. While literary historians identify social realism as the predominant mode of her fellow Danes, Dinesen chose instead to write gothic, fantastic tales. Scholars identify honor, justice, and duty, especially familial duty, as her major subjects. The role of art is a major theme throughout her work. Critics observe that she presents a romantic idealization of art as superior to lived experience, as "divine." Feminist critics have analyzed her critique of women’s socially appointed roles, and her questioning of the distinction between normal and aberrant sexuality. Many of Dinesen’s stories, with their hallmark obtrusive narration, have an oral quality about them.

Author Links

Karen Blixen-Isak Dinesen Information Site
This helpful site offers a point-form chronology, interview with Dinesen’s biographer, selected annotated bibliography, common misinformation about the author, and links.

Karen Blixen 1885-1962
A bio-critical essay discussing Blixen’s life, literary influences, and major accomplishments.

Isak Dinesen in America
Transcript of a lecture on Dinesen’s work, and critical reception by her reviewers and readers.

Karen Blixen Literary Society
This site provides photos, biography, list of works, links, and a chance to commune with other Blixen fans.

Out of Africa
Review and gorgeous still photography from movie based on Dinesen’s book.