Character Analysis
Aslaksen
Aslaksen is the man of cautious good will. His constant comment involves "proceeding with moderation." He is afraid of offending anyone who is in authority, unless that person is some distant abstract person who cannot immediately affect him. He represents the compact majority who believes in civic progress so long as it does not involve any expense or effort. He is the type who would rather suffer any type of bad situation rather than get involved in a drastic change.