Household Tales · Chapter
Clever Hans explained
Hans repeatedly visits Grethel, receiving gifts but misusing them due to his literal and foolish interpretations of his mother's advice.
What happens
Hans repeatedly visits Grethel, receiving gifts but misusing them due to his literal and foolish interpretations of his mother's advice. Each time, he follows her instructions incorrectly, leading to comedic failures. Eventually, Grethel agrees to go with him, but Hans ties her up and throws animal eyes at her, causing her to flee and later become his bride.
Themes in this chapter
Virtue Rewarded and Vice Punished
Hans's foolishness is not punished but rather leads to a marriage, subverting the typical moral lesson.
Characters to notice
- Clever Hans
The protagonist who repeatedly misinterprets his mother's advice, leading to a series of absurd mishaps.
- Grethel
The girl who gives Hans gifts and eventually becomes his bride after escaping his mistreatment.
- Unknown
Hans's mother, who gives him advice that he consistently fails to follow correctly.
Key passages
“Hans takes the needle, sticks it into a hay-cart, and follows the cart home.”
Hans inserts the needle into a hay-cart and trails behind it as it moves.
Illustrates Hans's literal interpretation of his mother's advice to 'stick the needle in thy sleeve.'
“Hans takes the calf, puts it on his head, and the calf kicks his face.”
Hans places the calf on top of his head, resulting in the calf kicking him in the face.
Demonstrates Hans's comical misunderstanding of his mother's instruction to carry the bacon on his head.
“Hans went into the stable, cut out all the calves’ and sheep’s eyes, and threw them in Grethel’s face.”
Hans enters the stable, removes the eyes of calves and sheep, and hurls them at Grethel.
Shows Hans's extreme and literal interpretation of his mother's advice to 'cast friendly eyes on her.'