# XXVI explained — Pelle the Conqueror

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

## What happens

Pelle and Lasse live with Sort after leaving Heath Farm. Lasse is despondent and frail, refusing to retrieve his belongings until Pelle fetches them. Pelle prepares to leave for Copenhagen, visits a woman to say goodbye, attends Alfred's wedding with Lasse, and finally departs by steamer, filled with longing and anticipation.

## Themes in this chapter

### Poverty and Survival

Lasse's destitution and reliance on Sort's charity highlight the struggle for survival among the poor.

### Fatherhood and Family

Pelle's care for his father Lasse, retrieving his belongings and supporting him emotionally, underscores familial bonds.

### Dreams and Aspiration

Pelle's departure for Copenhagen is driven by hope and longing for a better future, symbolizing aspiration.

## Character check-ins

### Pelle the Conqueror

Pelle retrieves Lasse's belongings, prepares to leave for Copenhagen, visits a woman to say goodbye, attends Alfred's wedding, and departs by steamer.

### Father Lasse

Lasse is dejected, frail, and bitter about losing Heath Farm; he moves in with Sort and attends Alfred's wedding with Pelle.

### Sort

Sort houses Pelle and Lasse, offers comfort and advice, and gives Pelle money for his journey.

### Brother Kalle

Kalle attends Alfred's wedding, squeezed among the hindmost chairs, wearing a new gray suit.

### Alfred

Alfred is the bridegroom at the wedding; Pelle and Lasse attend the ceremony.

## Key lines

> Now the parish has sold Heath Farm to the Hill Farm man for five thousand kroner, and they say he's got a good bargain.

The parish sold Heath Farm to the Hill Farm owner for five thousand kroner, considered a good deal.

_Lasse bitterly recounts the sale of the farm he worked on._

> We poor lice have prepared the way for him!

We poor people have made the land fertile for the rich farmer.

_Lasse expresses resentment that his labor benefited the wealthy._

> I'm only a human being too!

I am just a person with feelings.

_The woman Pelle visits embraces him passionately, revealing her loneliness._

## Links

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