Martin Andersen Nexø facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Martin Andersen Nexø
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Nexø in the 1950s
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| Born | 26 June 1869 Copenhagen, Denmark |
| Died | 1 June 1954 (aged 84) Dresden, East Germany |
| Occupation | Writer |
| Nationality | Danish |
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Martin Andersen Nexø (born June 26, 1869 – died June 1, 1954) was a famous Danish writer. He was part of a big movement in Danish art and literature called the Modern Breakthrough. This movement focused on showing real life and social issues. Nexø was a socialist his whole life. This means he believed in a society where everyone is equal and resources are shared. During World War II, he moved to the Soviet Union. After the war, he lived in Dresden, which was in East Germany at the time.
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Biography
Martin Andersen Nexø was born in Christianshavn, a poor area of Copenhagen, Denmark. He was one of eleven children in his family. In 1877, when he was eight years old, his family moved to a town called Nexø on the island of Bornholm. He liked the town so much that he decided to use its name as his last name.
Before becoming a writer, Nexø worked in factories. Later, he went to a folk high school, which is a type of adult education school. After that, he worked as a journalist, writing for newspapers. In the mid-1890s, he traveled around Southern Europe. His travel book, Soldage (1903), which means Days in the Sun, is based on these trips.
Like many writers of his time, Nexø first felt a bit gloomy about the future. This was a common feeling at the end of the 1800s, sometimes called "fin-de-siècle pessimism." But he slowly changed his views. He became more outgoing and joined the Social Democratic movement. Later, he joined the Communist Party of Denmark. His later books show his strong support for the Soviet Union, which was a communist country.
Famous Books
Nexø's most famous book is Pelle Erobreren, or Pelle the Conqueror. It was published in four parts between 1906 and 1910. This book tells the story of a young boy growing up and facing challenges. The first part of the book was made into a movie in East Germany in 1986. A more famous Danish movie version, also called Pelle the Conqueror, came out in 1987.
Another important book by Nexø is Ditte Menneskebarn, or Ditte, Child of Man. He wrote this book from 1917 to 1921. It celebrates working women and their sacrifices. A Danish film based on the first part of this book was released in 1946.
In 1929, Nexø wrote Midt i en Jærntid, which means "In an Iron Age." This book made fun of Danish farmers during World War I. Later in his life, from 1944 to 1956, Nexø started a series of three books. These books were Morten hin Røde (Morten the Red), Den fortabte generation (The Lost Generation), and Jeanette. They were meant to be a continuation of Pelle the Conqueror, but they also told parts of his own life story. He never finished this series.
Life During and After World War II
In 1941, during Germany's occupation of Denmark in World War II, Danish police arrested Nexø. This was because he was a communist. After he was released, he went to neutral Sweden. From there, he traveled to the Soviet Union. While in the Soviet Union, he made radio broadcasts to Denmark and Norway, which were occupied by the Nazis.
After World War II ended, Nexø moved to Dresden in East Germany. He was made an honorary citizen there. His fame as a writer who focused on social issues grew, especially in socialist countries.
Martin Andersen Nexø died in Dresden in 1954. He was buried in the Assistens Kirkegård in Copenhagen. A small planet, 3535 Ditte, was named after the main character in his novel Ditte, Child of Man. This planet was discovered in 1979 by a Soviet astronomer. Today, Martin Andersen Nexø's old home in Nexø is a museum.
Honours and Awards
In 1949, Nexø received a special honorary doctorate degree from the University of Greifswald's Faculty of Arts. This is a high academic honor.
Film
A film adaptation of Pelle the Conqueror was made in 1987. It was directed by Bille August and starred Max von Sydow. This movie has been available for streaming on different services.
Images for kids
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Martin Andersen Nexo as a child
See also
In Spanish: Martin Andersen Nexø para niños
