Heidi · Chapter
X: A Grandmama explained
Grandmama arrives at the Sesemann household and immediately takes an interest in Heidi.
What happens
Grandmama arrives at the Sesemann household and immediately takes an interest in Heidi. She discovers Heidi's inability to read, stemming from Peter's discouraging words. Through kindness and encouragement, Grandmama teaches Heidi to read, gives her a cherished book of stories, and also addresses Heidi's deep homesickness by teaching her to pray. Heidi's reading improves dramatically, and she finds comfort in her new faith.
Themes in this chapter
Faith and Prayer
Grandmama teaches Heidi to pray as a way to share her deepest sorrows with God, leading to emotional relief and a breakthrough in learning.
Education and Learning
Heidi overcomes her belief that reading is impossible, learns to read fluently, and discovers the joy of stories.
Characters to notice
- Heidi
Struggles with reading due to Peter's discouragement, but learns quickly under Grandmama's encouragement. Deeply homesick, she finds solace in prayer.
- Grandmama
Arrives and immediately befriends Heidi, teaches her to read, gives her a book, and introduces her to prayer as a comfort for her sorrows.
- Clara Sesemann
Listens as Heidi reads to her and expresses desire for Heidi to stay long-term.
- Miss Rottenmeier
Dismissive of Heidi's abilities, but is overruled by Grandmama's authority.
- Peter
Referenced as the source of Heidi's belief that reading is impossible.
Key passages
“I am going to tell you something, Heidi. You have not learnt to read because you have believed what Peter said. You shall believe me now, and I prophesy that you will learn it in a very short time, as a great many other children do that are like you and not like Peter.”
Grandmama explains that Heidi's failure to read is due to believing Peter's discouragement, and confidently predicts she will learn quickly.
Grandmama counters Peter's negative influence with encouragement.
“If you have a sorrow that you cannot tell to anyone, you can go to Our Father in Heaven. You can tell Him everything that troubles you, and if we ask Him He can help us and take our suffering away.”
Grandmama advises Heidi to pray to God about her hidden unhappiness, assuring her that God can provide comfort and relief.
Introduction of prayer as a coping mechanism for Heidi's homesickness.