# Grandmother's Farewell explained — Pelle the Conqueror

> Chapter companion for Pelle the Conqueror by Martin Andersen Nexø.

## What happens

Pelle and Lasse visit the dying grandmother, who reflects on her long life, her happy marriage to Anders, and her contentment. She gives instructions for her funeral, asking for simplicity and a dance for the children. Lasse is teased about a rumored new wife. The family shares a tender, bittersweet farewell.

## Themes in this chapter

### Fatherhood and Family

Grandmother's memories of her husband Anders highlight a loving partnership and family bonds; the scene emphasizes familial care and legacy.

### Poverty and Survival

The family's modest means are evident in grandmother's thrifty funeral plans and her saved fifty krones, as well as the discussion of scarce resources.

### Community and Belonging

The gathering of family and the planned invitation to neighbors and a dance underscore the importance of community support and shared rituals.

## Character check-ins

### Grandmother

On her deathbed, she reminisces about her husband Anders and her happy life, gives detailed funeral instructions, and bids farewell to Lasse and Pelle.

### Father Lasse

Visits grandmother with Pelle, is teased about seeking a new wife, and shares a tender goodbye.

### Pelle the Conqueror

Accompanies Lasse to grandmother's bedside and says a solemn farewell.

### Maria

Grandmother's daughter, cares for her mother and is instructed about the funeral arrangements.

### Brother Kalle

Grandmother's son-in-law, jokes with her and supports the family during her final hours.

## Key lines

> I’ve been putting by for it for twenty years now, for I’d like to leave the world in a decent way, and without pulling the clothes off my relations’ backs.

Grandmother has saved money for her funeral for two decades to avoid burdening her family financially.

_Reflects her independence and consideration for her loved ones even in death._

> He gathered that for me the first time we lay in the flowering heather. He was so uncommonly fond of the heather, was Anders, and every year when it flowered, he took me out of my bed and carried me out there—every year until he was called away.

Grandmother recalls how her husband Anders would carry her to see the blooming heather each year, a cherished tradition of their love.

_Illustrates the deep emotional bond and enduring memory of her marriage._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/pelle_the_conqueror_se/chapters/xxi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/pelle_the_conqueror_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/pelle_the_conqueror_se/chapters