The Social Lie Exposed in The Pillars of Society :: Pillars of Society Essays

The Social Lie Exposed in The Pillars of rules of order  The disintegrating effect of the Social Lie, of Duty, as an imposition and outrage, and of the spirit of Provincialism, as a stifling factor, are brought out with dynamic force in The Pillars of Society.  Consul Bernick, control by the conception of his duty toward the House of Bernick, begins his career with a un promulgateable lie. He sells his love for Lona Hessel in return for the large dowry of her step-sister Betty, whom he does not love. To forget his treachery, he enters into a clandestine relationship with an actress of the town. When strike in her room by the drunken husband, young Bernick jumps out of the window, and wherefore graciously accepts the offer of his bosom friend, Johan, to let him take the blame. Johan, together with his firm sister Lona, leaves for America. In return for his devotion, young Bernick helps to rob his friend of his close name, by acquiescing in the rumors circulat ing in the town that Johan had broken into the safe(p) of the Bernicks and stolen a large sum of money. In the opening scene of The Pillars of Society, we expose Consul Bernick at the height of his career. The richest, most powerful and respected citizen of the community, he is held up as the model of an ideal husband and devoted father. In short, a worthy pillar of society. The best ladies of the town come together in the home of the Bernicks. They represent the society for the Lapsed and Lost, and they gather to do a little charitable sewing and a lot of charitable gossip. It is done them we learn that Dina Dorf, the ward of Bernick, is the issue of the supposed escapade of Johan and the actress. With them, giving buttery spiritual advice and representing the purity and morality of the community, is Rector Rorlund, hidebound, self-righteous, and narrow-minded. Into this deadening atmosphere of cordial and social provincialism comes Lona Hessel, refreshing and invigorating as the wind of the plains. She has returned to her innate town together with Johan. The moment she enters the house of Bernick, the whole structure begins to totter. For in Lonas own words, Fie, fie--this moral linen here smells so tainted--just like a shroud. I am accustomed to the air of the prairies now, I can tell you.