Page:History of the Literature of the Scandinavian North.djvu/410

392 holm, whence, in 1823, together with a few friends, he set out for the province of Värmland, in order to realize in the forests of this region his phantastic dreams of a return to natural life according to the principles of the old Norsemen, dreams which were born of the fundamental principles of the Gothic school. But they soon found the reality rather rough, and Almquist returned to Stockholm, where, in 1827, he became the rector of one of the largest elementary schools. He now began a very comprehensive literary activity, published first a number of school-books in various branches of study, and then entering the field of higher literature. He soon fell into severe collision with other writers, and the result was long and bitter feuds, until Almquist, who in the meantime had become a preacher, was accused of forgery and strongly suspected of an attempt to commit murder by poisoning, sought safety in flight and emigrated to America. After a few years he returned to Europe, and died in Bremen in 1866.

It is extremely difficult to give a general outline of Almquist's character as a writer, for his productions comprise the most glaring contradictions and lack the foundation which only a clear and definitely marked individuality affords. He once said of himself, that he felt within him an "inspiration toward something heavenly and earthly," which must be interpreted to mean that he alternately pursued lofty and base objects. While in some of his works, as for example in the stories "Kapellet" and "Grimstahamns Nybygge," there is a purity and beauty which might almost be called "celestial," there is in others of his works so much that is "earthly," or rather demoniac, that it does not seem possible that both have flowed from the same pen. As his character lacked an ethical basis he gave loose reins to his wonderfully rich and powerful imagination which was everywhere at home. He controlled his fancy only so as not to violate æsthetical laws, not caring whether the ethical laws were respected or not. The claim of the