# A New Chapter with New Things explained — Heidi

> Chapter companion for Heidi by Johanna Spyri.

## What happens

Heidi arrives at the Sesemann household in Frankfurt and meets Clara Sesemann, a sick child who uses a rolling-chair. Deta leaves Heidi with the housekeeper Miss Rottenmeier, who is dismayed to learn that Heidi is only eight years old and cannot read. Clara is delighted by Heidi's candidness and looks forward to having a companion. Heidi struggles with the unfamiliar rules and customs of the household, falls asleep at the dinner table, and is eventually taken to her bedroom.

## Themes in this chapter

### Education and Learning

Heidi's inability to read and lack of formal education contrast sharply with Clara's structured lessons, highlighting the theme of learning as a central challenge in Heidi's new life.

### Social Class and Simplicity

Heidi's simple, rural upbringing clashes with the rigid social expectations and formalities of the wealthy Sesemann household, emphasizing the divide between social classes.

## Character check-ins

### Heidi

Arrives in Frankfurt, meets Clara and Miss Rottenmeier, reveals she cannot read, falls asleep at dinner.

### Clara Sesemann

A sick child in a rolling-chair, eager for Heidi's company, amused by Heidi's innocence.

### Miss Rottenmeier

The housekeeper, shocked by Heidi's lack of education and manners, tries to impose strict rules.

### Deta

Brings Heidi to Frankfurt, quickly leaves after introducing her to the household.

### Sebastian

The butler, amused by Heidi's behavior and resemblance to Peter.

## Key lines

> What? Is that a Christian name? What name did you receive in baptism?

Miss Rottenmeier asks Heidi for her full baptismal name, disapproving of the nickname 'Heidi.'

_Highlights the formal expectations of the household versus Heidi's simple identity._

> I can't read and Peter can't do it either.

Heidi admits she cannot read, and adds that her friend Peter is also illiterate.

_Emphasizes Heidi's lack of formal education and her rural background._

> You look like Peter.

Heidi tells Sebastian that he resembles her goatherd friend Peter.

_Shows Heidi's tendency to relate new people to her familiar mountain life._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/heidi_se/chapters/vi-a-new-chapter-with-new-things
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/heidi_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/heidi_se/chapters