Pelle the Conqueror · Chapter
XXXII explained
Pelle, now a leader in the workers' struggle, moves through Copenhagen amidst a lockout.
What happens
Pelle, now a leader in the workers' struggle, moves through Copenhagen amidst a lockout. He confronts the challenge of strikebreakers and employer tricks, devising a ruse to expose them. He visits his father Lasse, who lives happily with a new partner in a shack furnished from refuse. Pelle grapples with personal hunger and the strain on his marriage with Ellen, while the workers' movement faces financial hardship but maintains morale.
Themes in this chapter
Labor Movement and Solidarity
Pelle leads the workers' struggle, organizing pickets and exposing strikebreakers, while the movement faces financial strain and employer tricks.
Poverty and Survival
Pelle goes without food, Lasse lives in a shack furnished from refuse, and workers part with possessions to fund the strike.
Fatherhood and Family
Pelle visits his father Lasse, who has found new companionship; Pelle's relationship with Ellen is strained by his activism.
Characters to notice
- Pelle the Conqueror
Leads the workers' movement, devises a trap to expose strikebreakers, and visits his father Lasse.
- Father Lasse
Living contentedly with a new partner in a shack, furnished from refuse heaps; shows pride in his home.
- Ellen
Pelle avoids breakfast with her due to shame over being cared for at others' expense.
- Maria
Seen briefly, rosy-cheeked and carrying a basket; has grown more erect and pretty.
- Madam Stolpe
Missing her silver coffee-service; maintains strict economy at home.
- Otto Stolpe
Debates with Pelle about the ethics of infiltrating strikebreakers; refuses to accept the idea.
Key passages
““Yes, we are going now to take our rights as men, and we shall demand that the worker shall be respected,” Pelle replied. “Then there’ll be no more talk of poor man and gentleman!””
Pelle declares that workers will claim their rights and demand respect, ending the distinction between rich and poor.
Pelle articulates the core goal of the labor movement.
““No, once we get our affairs properly in going order; then there will be comfort in every home.””
Pelle assures that once the workers' affairs are organized, every home will have comfort.
Pelle expresses his vision of a future without poverty.
““A strikebreaker, I suppose, is one who does his comrades harm. The man who risks his skin in this way deserves another name.””
Pelle argues that someone who infiltrates strikebreakers to help the cause is not a traitor but a hero.
Pelle justifies his plan to infiltrate the factory.
““Do you see this pipe, Pelle? Mother saved up for this, without my knowing anything about it—she has got such a long one I can’t light it myself! She says I look like a regular pope!””
Lasse proudly shows Pelle a long pipe his partner saved up for, saying she thinks he looks like a pope.
Lasse's contentment in his new life is evident.