Heidi · Chapter
With the Grandfather explained
Heidi explores her new home with her grandfather, helps prepare her bed in the hayloft, shares a meal of toasted cheese and milk, and meets the goats Schwänli and Bärli.
What happens
Heidi explores her new home with her grandfather, helps prepare her bed in the hayloft, shares a meal of toasted cheese and milk, and meets the goats Schwänli and Bärli. She shows independence and curiosity, while the grandfather begins to warm to her presence.
Themes in this chapter
Home and Belonging
Heidi creates a sense of home in the hayloft, and the grandfather begins to accept her presence, building a chair and sharing meals.
Nature and Freedom
Heidi delights in the wind, the fir trees, and the goats, expressing joy in the natural mountain environment.
Compassion and Generosity
The grandfather provides for Heidi's needs—food, a bed, and a chair—showing quiet care and generosity.
Characters to notice
- Heidi
Explores the hut and hayloft, prepares her own bed, eats with her grandfather, and joyfully greets the goats.
- Grandfather
Observes Heidi's intelligence, makes her a high chair, repairs the hut, and provides for her needs with gruff care.
- Peter
Appears briefly with the goats, whistling as he brings the herd down from the heights.
- Schwänli
The white goat that comes to the grandfather for salt and is milked for Heidi's supper.
- Bärli
The brown goat that accompanies Schwänli and is welcomed by Heidi.
- Deta
Mentioned as having left a bundle of linen for Heidi before departing.
Key passages
“She knows what is what and has her eyes on the right place”
The grandfather acknowledges Heidi's perceptiveness and practical sense.
Reflects the grandfather's growing respect for Heidi's intelligence.
“I want to go about like the light-footed goats!”
Heidi expresses her desire to live freely and simply, like the goats.
Highlights Heidi's affinity for nature and independence.
“What a nice bed I have now, and what a splendid cover! I only wish the evening was here, that I might go to sleep in it.”
Heidi is delighted with her hayloft bed and eagerly anticipates sleeping in it.
Shows Heidi's contentment and ability to find joy in simple things.