Pelle the Conqueror · Chapter
XXXVI explained
The great strike ends with a victory for the workers, and Pelle wanders through the poor quarter, sharing in the joy of the people.
What happens
The great strike ends with a victory for the workers, and Pelle wanders through the poor quarter, sharing in the joy of the people. He goes to visit his old friends in the 'Ark' and finds it on fire. He leads a rescue effort, saving several people, including Madam Johnsen and a child, but witnesses the death of the timid seamstress who jumps from a window. Pelle himself becomes trapped in the burning building.
Themes in this chapter
Labor Movement and Solidarity
The strike victory is celebrated, with workers gaining recognition and respect, and Pelle's role in the negotiations highlights collective action.
Poverty and Survival
The Ark fire exposes the dire living conditions of the poor, with no emergency exits and rotting materials, and the struggle to survive the blaze.
Community and Belonging
Pelle returns to the Ark to see old friends, and the community rallies together during the fire, with neighbors helping each other.
Dreams and Aspiration
Pelle dreams of comfortable little dwellings for workers with gardens, envisioning a better future after the strike victory.
Characters to notice
- Pelle the Conqueror
Roams the city after the strike victory, then leads rescue efforts during the Ark fire, saving Madam Johnsen and a child.
- Johnsen
Widow Johnsen is trapped at her third-story window with her grandchild and little Paul; Pelle rescues her.
- Paul
Little Paul is held by Madam Johnsen, then jumps from the gallery and runs out into the street.
- Hanne
Hanne's little daughter is mentioned, staring silently out of the window with her mother's gaze.
- Vinslev
Smoke is rolling out of Vinslev's corridor, filling the yard.
- Pipman
Pipman's whole garret is burning, according to the old ragpicker.
Key passages
“A dream floated before him, of comfortable little dwellings for the workers, each with its little garden and its well-weeded paths.”
Pelle envisions a future where workers have pleasant homes with gardens.
Reflects Pelle's aspiration for improved living conditions for the working class.
“It was a victory; the right of combination was recognized, and Capital had been taught to respect the workers as a political factor.”
The strike succeeded in winning recognition for workers' unions and forcing employers to acknowledge their political power.
Highlights the key outcome of the labor struggle.
“The poor were busy again; they lay huddled together no longer, but came out into the light of day, their lean faces full of sunlight.”
With the strike over, the impoverished people emerged from their homes, hopeful and active.
Captures the renewed spirit and relief after the strike's end.
“A little child lay there in a cradle. He stumbled over to it and groped his way back to the wall.”
Pelle finds an infant in a cradle and rescues it from the burning building.
Shows Pelle's bravery and selflessness during the fire.