Short Fiction · Chapter
It Doesn't Make Any Difference to Any of Them explained
Frau Frohmann raises her prices at the Peacock, fearing a loss of customers, but finds that her guests continue to arrive as usual.
What happens
Frau Frohmann raises her prices at the Peacock, fearing a loss of customers, but finds that her guests continue to arrive as usual. She reconciles with Hoff and Seppel, and her daughter Malchen persuades the Frauleins Tendel to return by offering them the old rate. Herr Weiss and his family come despite the increase, though he grumbles about the cost. The Frau learns that the change has not driven away her clientele, much to her relief.
Themes in this chapter
Economic Hardship and Charity
Frau Frohmann's price increase and her concern for the Frauleins Tendel's ability to pay highlight the tension between profit and kindness.
Morality and Hypocrisy
Herr Weiss complains about the price hike while having received a salary increase, revealing a double standard in his view of fairness.
Characters to notice
- Frau Frohmann
Raises prices at the Peacock and anxiously observes the reaction of her guests, ultimately finding that business continues as usual.
- Malchen
Now married as Frau Schlessen, she visits the Frauleins Tendel on her mother's behalf to persuade them to return to the Peacock despite the price increase.
- Herr Crippel
Mentioned as 'Herr Weiss' in the text; a magistrate who returns with his family, though he complains about the higher prices.
- Fritz Schlessen
Offers reassurance to Frau Frohmann that the price increase will not deter guests, citing trends in other resorts.
Key passages
“It don’t seem to make any difference to any of them.”
The price increase hasn't affected the number of guests.
Frau Frohmann reports to Mr. Cartwright that her customers are still coming despite the higher charges.
“The world will never complain of fair prices, will never long endure unfair prices, and will give no thanks at all to those who sell their goods at a loss.”
Customers accept reasonable prices but reject unfair ones, and they do not appreciate sellers who undercharge.
Mr. Cartwright explains the economic principle of fair pricing to Frau Frohmann.
“The more money people are charged the better they like it.”
Higher prices seem to attract more customers.
Fritz Schlessen observes a trend in other resorts that contradicts Frau Frohmann's fears.