
Erik is sent to the only school that will accept him, Stjernsberg Boarding School. The school's concept of "team spirit" is an oppressive structure where older students bully younger ones. He meets the kitchen girl Marja, who despises the violence at the school.
The school's rules prohibit students and staff from hanging out on the school grounds, so Marja invites Erik to the evening's dance. But Silverhielm wants to seize the opportunity and teach Erik who decides.