# XXXVII explained — Pelle the Conqueror

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

## What happens

Pelle leads a massive workers' procession through Copenhagen, culminating in a demonstration at the King's New Market where he raises the tattered red banner of the International. Despite the festive atmosphere on the Common afterward, Pelle is inwardly troubled by his estrangement from Ellen and his son, and learns from a policeman that he is about to be arrested for a hobby involving a wood block and a ten-kroner note tracing.

## Themes in this chapter

### Labor Movement and Solidarity

The massive procession and demonstration showcase the unity and strength of the workers' movement.

### Dreams and Aspiration

Pelle envisions leading the Chosen People into the Promised Land, and the workers celebrate their victory.

### Injustice and Resistance

Pelle faces arrest for a trivial hobby, highlighting the authorities' efforts to suppress labor leaders.

## Character check-ins

### Pelle the Conqueror

Leads the workers' procession, raises the International banner, and learns of his impending arrest.

### Madam Stolpe

Friendly toward Pelle despite his rift with Ellen; offers advice for his voice.

### Jeppe Kofod

Stolpe; jokes with Pelle about the procession and the Central Committee.

### Ellen

Mentioned as estranged from Pelle; he cannot reconcile with her.

### Johnsen

Madam Johnsen; Pelle looks for her and her grandchild on the Common.

## Key lines

> serious subject it was immediately suppressed with a punning remark. Nobody was serious today!

Any serious topic was quickly dismissed with a joke; no one wanted to be solemn today.

_Describes the festive mood on the Common after the procession._

> It must be fine to lie on one’s belly here, in the midst of one’s own family circle, eating hard-boiled eggs and bread-and-butter—or to go running about with Young Lasse on his shoulders!

It would be wonderful to relax with one's family, enjoying simple food and playing with one's child.

_Pelle's longing for family life despite his estrangement from Ellen._

> They are after you; this afternoon there was a search made at your place, and you’ll be arrested, as soon as you leave here.

The police are pursuing you; they searched your home this afternoon and will arrest you when you depart.

_A policeman warns Pelle of his imminent arrest._

> This is the great procession of the Chosen People, and he is leading them into the Promised Land!

Pelle feels he is leading the workers like the biblical Chosen People into a land of promise.

_Pelle's visionary perspective on the workers' march._

## Links

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