# XXIII explained — Pelle the Conqueror

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

## What happens

Pelle prepares for his confirmation, receiving new clothes and shoes from the farm. He and Rud are fitted for suits, but their friendship has waned. On confirmation day, Lasse and Pelle go to church, where Pelle performs well. Lasse, moved by the ceremony, resolves to pursue Karna. Afterward, Pelle receives congratulations and gifts from the Kongstrups, then visits Kalle's family to say goodbye before moving at May Day.

## Themes in this chapter

### Coming of Age and Self-Discovery

Pelle's confirmation marks his formal entry into adulthood, symbolized by new clothes, the ceremony, and the expectation to find a sweetheart.

### Fatherhood and Family

Lasse's pride and anxiety during Pelle's confirmation, and his vow to pursue Karna, highlight his role as a father and his desire for family.

### Community and Belonging

The confirmation brings together the farm community, with shared customs like the tailor's visit and the celebration afterward.

## Character check-ins

### Pelle the Conqueror

Pelle is confirmed, receives new clothes and a two-krone piece, and visits Kalle's family to say goodbye.

### Father Lasse

Lasse accompanies Pelle to confirmation, is proud of him, and resolves to pursue Karna.

### Rud

Rud is also being confirmed and fitted for a suit, but his friendship with Pelle has cooled.

### Kongstrup

Kongstrup lies reading and eating cakes, gives Pelle a two-krone piece after confirmation.

### Karna

Karna helps with the animals so Lasse can attend the confirmation; Lasse thinks of her devotion and vows to pursue her.

### Karl Johan

Karl Johan drives Pelle and Lasse to church in the little one-horse carriage.

## Key lines

> “It’s the mistress who’s at the head of things now!” they said to one another. There was good peasant blood in her hands, and she brought things back into the good old ways.

The farm workers note that Fru Kongstrup has taken charge and revived traditional farm customs.

_Highlights the shift in authority at Stone Farm and the return to old practices._

> “Have you got that thing now?” whispered Lasse, when they were inside the church. Pelle felt in his pocket and nodded; the little round piece of lignum-vitae that was to carry him over the difficulties of the day lay there.

Lasse asks if Pelle has his lucky charm, a small wooden piece, to help him through the confirmation.

_Shows the superstition and anxiety surrounding the ceremony._

> At the most solemn part of the ceremony, Lasse thought of Karna, and how touching her devotion was. He scolded himself in an undertone, and made a solemn vow. She should not sigh any longer in vain.

During the confirmation, Lasse reflects on Karna's loyalty and resolves to pursue her romantically.

_Reveals Lasse's emotional state and his decision to act on his feelings._

## Links

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