A Nearly Normal Family

Edvardsson uses the biblical story of Job as a recurrent motif to emphasize themes of faith, suffering, and Subjective Morality and the Ambiguity of Justice. Adam, a pastor, frequently compares his struggles to Job’s, a righteous man who faces extreme trials but retains his faith. He even discusses the story explicitly with Ulrika, who humorously questions Adam’s identification with Job—an interaction that underscores the gap between Adam’s self-image and the reality of his situation.

The Job motif highlights Adam’s faith crisis. Traditionally a source of guidance, his faith falters as he confronts unprecedented moral dilemmas. His allusions to Job are attempts to make sense of his suffering and to cling to his shaken beliefs. This struggle indicates a shift from clear moral certainty to doubt and introspection. Adam’s journey contrasts with Job’s unwavering faith, leading to a more layered and ironic portrayal of faith and righteousness in modern life.

The quarry serves as a symbol of suppression and finality. It is the place where Ulrika discards the knife that killed Christopher Olsen, an act that symbolizes her desperate attempt to bury the truth and protect her daughter, Stella. The quarry, with its deep, dark waters, epitomizes the abyss into which the family’s secrets and moral compass are cast. This act of throwing the knife into the quarry signifies a point of no return for the family as they irrevocably cross ethical boundaries to safeguard their own. The quarry’s depth and obscurity mirror the depth of the family’s troubles and the murky depths of their deception and fear. The act of throwing the murder weapon into the quarry is not just a physical disposal of evidence; it symbolizes trying to erase a horrendous act, reflecting the novel’s exploration of guilt, responsibility, and the complexities of familial love.