# With the Grandfather explained — Heidi

> Chapter companion for Heidi by Johanna Spyri.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/heidi_se/chapters/ii-with-the-grandfather
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/heidi_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/heidi_se/chapters