How do the social norms and etiquette of the times influence the characters and their decisions? How are norms upheld, and how are they subverted?

How do the social norms and etiquette of the times influence the characters and their decisions? How are norms upheld, and how are they subverted?

The social norms of the time greatly influenced Astrid as she wrestled with whether to stay in her hometown or venture out in to the world. In that time she had no way to really support herself, so that automatically limited her. However, she also stayed true to herself and was not afraid to speak her mind, and this fact drew the attention of both Gerhard and of Kai. Kai, in turn, fell for her, but struggled with the fact that she would never fit into the mold of a pastor's wife. He daily tried to convince himself that he should not be attracted to her, and yet it was her unconventional attitude that drew him to her. Gerhard respected Astrid for her personality, as well, but as an architect was less inclined to worry about others' judgement of her.

I agree with Molly Mae. Also, Astrid went against the norm when she chose to go to Kristiania to have her babies at the Birthing Institute instead of using the local midwife. As a new Pastor, Kai often tried to move the cultural norms. He changed the way funerals were held, built a new church, and taught the local children how to read and write.