Pelle the Conqueror · Chapter
Chapter XX explained
Lasse and Pelle argue about moving in with Madam Olsen, with Pelle resistant due to shame from schoolmates.
What happens
Lasse and Pelle argue about moving in with Madam Olsen, with Pelle resistant due to shame from schoolmates. Lasse struggles with his longing for independence and his son's stubbornness. Pelle studies for confirmation while Lasse, fascinated by learning, tries to recite Bible prophets. Kongstrup sits in the sun, cared for by his wife, as Pelle grows strong and independent, wearing out clothes quickly. Lasse complains about the endless toil at Stone Farm and his desire to work for himself, but Pelle refuses to compromise his father's honor.
Themes in this chapter
Fatherhood and Family
Lasse's desire to provide for Pelle and his longing for a stable home conflict with Pelle's pride and shame about their family situation.
Poverty and Survival
Lasse's complaint about endless toil for minimal reward and the impossibility of saving money highlights the precarious economic existence of farm laborers.
Dreams and Aspiration
Pelle's dream of going out into the world and getting rich contrasts with Lasse's resigned view that such fortune is only for those born with a caul.
Coming of Age and Self-Discovery
Pelle's growing independence and physical strength, along with his resistance to his father's plans, mark his transition toward adulthood.
Characters to notice
- Father Lasse
Despondent about his situation at Stone Farm, longing for independence and to move in with Madam Olsen, but frustrated by Pelle's resistance. Shows interest in Pelle's confirmation studies, trying to learn Bible prophets.
- Pelle the Conqueror
Obstinate about his father's relationship with Madam Olsen, ashamed of schoolmates' taunts. Studies for confirmation, showing academic prowess, and grows physically strong, wearing out clothes quickly.
- Kongstrup
Sits wrapped up in the sun, expressionless, cared for by his wife who affectionately tends to him.
- Madam Olsen
Mentioned as Lasse's sweetheart; Lasse considers moving in with her despite legal obstacles.
Key passages
“If I ran away from here one night, I guess you’d come trotting after me.”
Lasse threatens to leave Stone Farm, implying Pelle would follow him.
Lasse uses the threat to test Pelle's loyalty and express his own desperation.
“Out into the world and get rich!”
Pelle declares his ambition to leave and become wealthy.
Pelle's youthful aspiration contrasts with Lasse's resigned realism.
“It’s nothing but toil, toil, from morning till night—one day just like another all the year round, as if you were in a convict-prison!”
Lasse describes the monotonous and oppressive labor at Stone Farm.
Highlights the theme of poverty and the lack of autonomy for farm workers.