Heidi · Chapter
Parting to Meet Again explained
The chapter concludes with joyful reunions and future plans.
What happens
The chapter concludes with joyful reunions and future plans. Mr. Sesemann promises to provide for Heidi after her grandfather's death, and Dr. Classen plans to move to the village. Heidi requests her Frankfurt bed for the blind grandmother, and Mrs. Sesemann assures the grandmother that Heidi will stay. Clara departs tearfully but promises to send salt for Schwänli. The bed arrives, and the doctor builds a new house for himself, Heidi, and her grandfather, ensuring a secure future.
Themes in this chapter
Compassion and Generosity
Mrs. Sesemann sends warm covers and shawls to the grandmother, and Heidi's request for the bed shows her selfless care for others.
Home and Belonging
Heidi's future is secured with her grandfather and the doctor, ensuring she never has to leave her beloved mountain home.
Faith and Prayer
The grandmother asks Heidi to read a song of thanksgiving, and Mrs. Sesemann speaks of God's mercy, reinforcing the theme of gratitude and faith.
Characters to notice
- Heidi
Heidi joyfully shares news of the bed for grandmother and consoles Clara about parting, looking forward to next summer.
- Grandfather
The Alm-Uncle's heart is free of care after Mr. Sesemann and the doctor promise to care for Heidi; he becomes closer friends with the doctor.
- Clara Sesemann
Clara is sad to leave the Alp but excited for the trip; she sends love to Peter and the goats, promising salt for Schwänli.
- Grandmother
The blind grandmother initially fears Heidi will be taken, but rejoices when told Heidi will stay; she receives the bed and warm covers.
- Mr. Sesemann
Mr. Sesemann promises to provide for Heidi and plans to travel through Switzerland with his mother and Clara.
- The Doctor
Dr. Classen completes his business in Frankfurt and moves to the village, buying the old ruins to build a home for himself, Heidi, and her grandfather.
Key passages
“Now her grandfather’s heart is free of care, for if he is called away, another father will take care of Heidi and love her in his stead.”
Her grandfather no longer worries about the future, knowing that if he dies, someone else will care for Heidi as a father would.
Highlights the resolution of the grandfather's concern for Heidi's welfare.
“Nothing in this world strengthens the belief in a good Father in Heaven more than this mercy and kindness shown to a poor, useless little woman, like me.”
The kindness shown to a poor old woman like me reinforces my faith in a benevolent God more than anything else.
Reflects the grandmother's deep gratitude and faith.
“I should like to have my bed from Frankfurt with the three high pillows and the thick, warm cover. Then grandmother will be able to keep warm and won’t have to wear her shawl in bed.”
Heidi wishes for her Frankfurt bed with its many pillows and thick blanket so that the grandmother can sleep warmly and comfortably.
Demonstrates Heidi's compassionate nature and thoughtfulness.