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Norway’s Jon Fosse Receives Nobel Prize in Literature for Novel Composed of a Single Sentence

by Ethan Kim
7 comments
Nobel Prize in Literature

Jon Fosse, a Norwegian author celebrated for his pared-down prose dealing with life’s fundamental themes such as birth, death, and faith, has been awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. The Nobel committee extolled his work for articulating the “inexpressible.”

Fosse, a novelist and dramatist, emphasized that the award validates “literature that prioritizes being literature above all else.” This philosophy is evident in his numerous elusive plays, narratives, and novels—including a seven-volume epic composed entirely of one sentence.

Speaking to The Big Big News, Anders Olsson, the chair of the Nobel literature committee, noted that Fosse’s oeuvre, which is deeply influenced by his Norwegian heritage, delves into “the human condition of vulnerability and apprehension.”

As one of Norway’s most staged playwrights, Fosse revealed he had been “mentally preparing” himself for the possibility of such an honor for the past ten years.

The Nobel Prize 2023: Additional Information

In an unusual turn of events, the Nobel Prize in Chemistry was announced prematurely. Three researchers were awarded in the field of chemistry for their groundbreaking work on quantum dots in applications spanning electronics and medical imaging. A trio also garnered the Nobel Prize in Physics for their insights into the rapidly rotating universe of electrons.

Upon receiving the call about the award, the 64-year-old Fosse expressed both astonishment and a sense of inevitability to NRK, the Norwegian public broadcaster. “Receiving the call was both surprising and unsurprising; it was a moment of immense joy for me,” he said.

Why Jon Fosse?

The Swedish Academy honored Fosse, the prolific author of 40 plays, novels, short stories, children’s literature, poetry, and essays, for his “groundbreaking plays and prose that articulate the ineffable.” Fosse has previously cited Samuel Beckett, the 1969 Nobel laureate in literature, as a significant influence on his minimalist writing style.

Edmund Austigard, the executive officer at Fosse’s publishing house Samlaget, described the author’s work as literature that necessitates “slow reading and slow writing.” “This is not the kind of work you casually read on a beach,” he added, “but rather one that draws you into an unparalleled universe and urges you to dwell there.”

The Significance of Nynorsk Language

Fosse is the first Nobel laureate to write in Nynorsk in nearly a century, one of the two official written languages in Norway. Although only 10% of Norway’s population uses it, according to the Language Council of Norway, it is mutually intelligible with the other written language, Bokmaal. Guy Puzey, a senior lecturer at the University of Edinburgh, described Bokmaal as the language of the urban and powerful, whereas Nynorsk is prevalent in rural western Norway.

Norwegian Culture Minister Lubna Jaffery called the occasion “a historic day for the Nynorsk language and its literature.”

Jon Fosse’s Contributions to Literature

Fosse’s inaugural novel, “Red, Black,” was released in 1983, and his first play, “Someone is Going to Come,” debuted in 1992. His magnum opus, “A New Name: Septology VI-VII,” was shortlisted for the International Booker Prize in 2022. This final installment in a seven-book sequence, exploring existential themes, is devoid of sentence breaks. Fosse has also taught writing and contributed to a Norwegian translation of the Bible.

Fosse’s Response to the Honor

Mats Malm, the permanent secretary of the academy, communicated the news to Fosse, who was driving through the countryside near Bergen at the time. “I feel somewhat stunned but overwhelmingly grateful for this incredible honor,” Fosse told Norway’s TV2.

The Nobel Prizes come with a financial incentive of 11 million Swedish kronor (approximately $1 million), an 18-carat gold medal, and a diploma, which are presented during the award ceremonies in December.

Public Reception of the Award to Fosse

Despite his work being translated into multiple languages and performed globally, Fosse remains a less commonly known figure outside specific literary circles. Critics have argued that the Nobel Prize disproportionately favors male authors from Europe and North America. However, others point out that recent laureates have represented a diverse range of critically acclaimed authors with strong sales figures.

In a world that often feels rushed, Austigard, Fosse’s publisher, suggests that Fosse’s deliberate prose could be “precisely what our fast-paced society needs.”

The article was reported by Corder from The Hague, Netherlands, and Lawless from London, with contributions from Jan M. Olsen of Big Big News in Copenhagen.

For further coverage on the Nobel Prizes, visit https://bigbignews.net/nobel-prizes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Nobel Prize in Literature

Who won the Nobel Prize in Literature for 2023?

Jon Fosse, a Norwegian author, won the Nobel Prize in Literature for 2023. He is celebrated for his pared-down prose that addresses fundamental human themes such as birth, death, and faith.

What is noteworthy about Jon Fosse’s writing style?

Jon Fosse is known for his minimalist, sparse Nordic prose. He has often cited Samuel Beckett, the 1969 Nobel laureate, as a significant influence on his style.

What language does Jon Fosse write in?

Fosse writes in Nynorsk, one of the two official written languages in Norway. He is the first Nobel laureate in nearly a century to write in Nynorsk.

What are some of Jon Fosse’s notable works?

Some of Jon Fosse’s prominent works include his inaugural novel “Red, Black,” his first play “Someone is Going to Come,” and his magnum opus “A New Name: Septology VI-VII.”

How did Jon Fosse react to winning the Nobel Prize?

Upon being informed of the honor, Fosse expressed both astonishment and a sense of inevitability. He was driving through the countryside near Bergen at the time of the call.

What does the Nobel Prize include?

The Nobel Prizes come with a financial award of 11 million Swedish kronor (approximately $1 million), an 18-carat gold medal, and a diploma.

What has been the public and critical reception of Jon Fosse’s award?

Though Fosse’s work is globally renowned within specific literary circles, he is not widely known outside these communities. The Nobel Prize itself has faced criticism for its focus on male European and North American authors.

How has this award impacted the Nynorsk language?

The award has been described as a historic day for the Nynorsk language and its literature, as Jon Fosse is the first Nobel laureate to write in this language in nearly a century.

More about Nobel Prize in Literature

  • Nobel Prize Official Website
  • Swedish Academy
  • Jon Fosse’s Publisher, Samlaget
  • Language Council of Norway
  • International Booker Prize
  • Profile of Jon Fosse in The Guardian
  • History of Nobel Prize in Literature Winners
  • Norwegian Public Broadcaster NRK’s Interview with Jon Fosse

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7 comments

Tom Johnson October 6, 2023 - 3:58 pm

Fosse was prepared for a decade to win? Now that’s what I call confidence or maybe foresight.

Reply
Emily Williams October 6, 2023 - 5:13 pm

Interesting how the article also touches on the criticisms of the Nobel Prize. Seems like Fosse is yet another European male winner.

Reply
Jane Smith October 6, 2023 - 8:32 pm

Wow, Jon Fosse winning the Nobel is huge for Norway. finally, some recognition for Nynorsk too!

Reply
Sarah Davis October 6, 2023 - 9:28 pm

the guy wrote a seven-book epic in one sentence? Thats just mind-blowing.

Reply
Karen White October 6, 2023 - 11:29 pm

Wow, 11 million Swedish kronor and an 18-carat gold medal. Not bad, not bad at all.

Reply
Robert Miller October 7, 2023 - 6:38 am

Didn’t even know Fosse before this. Gotta check out his works now. Any recommendations?

Reply
Mike Anderson October 7, 2023 - 6:48 am

So Fosse’s work isn’t “beach reading,” huh? Makes me wonder what it’s really like, must be heavy stuff.

Reply

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