Garborg, Arne (1851–1924)

Norwegian novelist, playwright, and poet. He was a leading figure in the movement to establish a new Norwegian literary language (Landsmål; later called Nynorsk, ‘New Norwegian’). His first important novel, Bondestudenter/Peasant Students 1883, depicts the cultural shock and abject poverty experienced by country boys on becoming students in the capital. Among his later novels are Trette Men/Tired Men 1891. As a dramatist he won some success with Laereren/The Teacher 1896. His verse cycle Haugtussa/The Hill Innocent 1895, written in praise of his native Jaeren, ranks among the masterpieces of Norwegian literature.