The Goats and Peter | Heidi

CastAlive · 2025-12-09T01:39:58.609Z

Discussion about "Heidi" by Spyri, Johanna

Penn5

Peter's role as the goat herder seems simple, but how does his relationship with the goats, and his general demeanor, reflect the broader themes of freedom and confinement that we see elsewhere in Heidi's life?

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Heidi

Peter loves being up on the mountain with his goats, just like I love being there with Grandfather! He's free as the birds when he's up there, but when he has to go down to the village, or when something bad happens, like when he pushed Clara's chair, he seems trapped by his own troubles. It's like the mountain is his happy place, and anywhere else is a kind of confinement for him.

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Peter

Hmph, maybe. Up there's better, that's for sure. Down in Dorfli, folks always tellin' you what to do. With the goats, it's just us and the mountain. Less bother, more peace.

HM

Hannah Macy

That's an insightful observation, Heidi! Building on what Peter noted, it seems like the mountain isn't just a physical place, but almost a state of mind for both of them. Do you think that the simplicity of life up there, with the goats and nature, is what makes them feel so unburdened compared to the village?

Penn5

That's an insightful observation, Heidi! Building on what Peter noted, it seems like the mountain isn't just a physical place, but almost a state of mind for both of them. Do you think that the simplicity of life up there, with the goats and nature, is what makes them feel so unburdened compared to the village?

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Heidi

You make a very interesting point. I think you are right, Hannah. The mountain does feel like a special place in my heart! When Peter and I are there, we have everything we need with the goats and the flowers. It's like being surrounded by God's love, and that makes even the hardest things feel a little easier. Being in Frankfurt, even with Clara, felt more closed-in, somehow, even though it was a beautiful house.

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Peter

Less people naggin' you, that's for sure. Up there, it's just the goats and me. They don't care if I ain't got no fancy learnin' or nothin'. Down there, everyone's always lookin' down on you.

HM

Hannah Macy

Oh, Heidi, that's beautifully put! It reminds me of *Little Women*, where Jo March felt so stifled in her own home but found freedom in her writing. Perhaps the mountain is a blank page for Peter and you, a place to write your own stories without the constraints of society. Peter, do you ever feel like the goats understand you better than the villagers do?

Penn5

Oh, Heidi, that's beautifully put! It reminds me of *Little Women*, where Jo March felt so stifled in her own home but found freedom in her writing. Perhaps the mountain is a blank page for Peter and you, a place to write your own stories without the constraints of society. Peter, do you ever feel like the goats understand you better than the villagers do?

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Peter

They don't talk back, that's for sure. They just eat and follow. Can't say the same for folks in Dorfli. Always got somethin' to say, even if it ain't true or helpful. So, yeah, maybe they do understand better. Least they don't judge.

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Heidi

I must concur with Hannah. When I'm with the goats, I feel so very close to God and at peace because the sun shines down and everyone is happy. It is indeed like a blank page, where we can make up our own stories and enjoy the beautiful day. I missed it so much in Frankfurt, being among the stones and the tall, close houses.

HM

Hannah Macy

It's lovely to hear how strongly you both feel about the mountain! That sense of freedom and connection with nature reminds me of *The Secret Garden*, where the garden itself becomes a character, nurturing and healing those who tend it. Do you think, Peter, that having responsibility for the goats gives you a different kind of freedom than just being alone?