How did Herman Bang portray overlooked people in his novels?

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Danish literature Jelling stone, raised by King Gorm the Old in the 10th century as a memorial to his wife, Queen Thyre.

Herman Bang was a prominent Danish novelist and a key figure in literary Impressionism. He is particularly noted for his focus on what he termed "quiet existences," a theme captured in his 1886 short story collection, Stille existenser.1

In his work, Bang portrayed overlooked individuals—often those living on the margins of society—with a profound sense of empathy and psychological depth. Rather than focusing on grand historical narratives, he utilized an impressionistic style to capture the subtle, often painful details of everyday life. By highlighting the struggles and inner worlds of these "quiet" characters, he gave voice to those who were typically ignored by the mainstream, reflecting the deep pessimism and social alienation prevalent during his era.1