Johanna Spyri’s Heidi : Finding Peace And Wisdom

In moments of restlessness and distraction, the timeless pages of classic literature offer unique solace. Cherished for generations, these stories can calm the mind and transport readers to different worlds. Johanna Spyri’s “Heidi” is an enchanting tale among these classics. This beloved novel, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Swiss Alps, offers a heartwarming story and profound life lessons that resonate deeply with readers of all ages.

Writer’s Word:

When I feel distracted, restless, and unable to concentrate, I sit down with classic literature. I can only get up and finish a story at once when I start reading. Only after completing the story does my mind become calm and settled. 

Even if I read the classics regularly, not all are reviewed. Sometimes, I sit down to write only when I have time. As I wanted to write this today, the time has come. 

Some classics lighten up too much and settle me down. Yesterday, I had the opportunity to read a story about this. Reading “Heidi” by Swiss writer Johanna Spyri felt like stepping back into my childhood for a while. I wanted to get lost in the proximity of the Alps. The author beautifully portrays how strong the influence of nature can be in human life in this story. 

Johanna Spyri’s “Heidi” was published in two volumes in 1880-81 during the Victorian era. It is a classic novel written for children, which can positively impact them psychologically. So, until now, the value of this best-selling classic book is the same worldwide. 

Let’s Dive Into The Story:

The story’s protagonist, is a mischievous-sweet magical little girl. This orphaned girl was growing up with her aunt. But suddenly, her aunt lost her job in Frankfurt, leaving Heidi with her uncle in the Alps. Alps uncle is her grandfather. He is known to everyone as a lonely, grumpy old man who has lost everything in life and is isolated from society. Alps uncle doesn’t like to mix with people, and people don’t want him. However, he began changing her old grandfather, a social outcast. 

Heidi begins a new independent life with her grandfather. All day, she runs in the mountains. A boy named Peter comes to ride a goat on top of the Alps. She also becomes excellent friends with him. The two spend a great time together throughout the day. But she is not only indulging in mischief. She is a pretty responsible kid. She helps her grandfather with all his work. The Alps uncle is also very happy to see his granddaughter’s interest in work. 

When on the Alps begin to snow terribly, Peter can no longer come to ride the goats. Heidi also has to spend much time in the house, which she dislikes. So she begged her grandfather to take her to the Peters’ house in the village below the hill. So the granddaughter was wrapped in a blanket and taken to Peter’s house on a sleigh. It was a deep expression of grandfather’s love and responsibility towards Heidi.

Her most outstanding quality is that she can easily mix with people and win them over with love. But not all children are like this. She already had a place in her heart after hearing Peter’s stories of her mother and grandmother, and they also fell in love with the little girl after listening to him. So when Peter’s blind Grandmother calls out to Heidi upon entering the house, Grandmother pulls her close like her own granddaughter. 

Young children are usually more self-centered, so they will naturally be up to their own mischief all the time. But she was a bit different. She had a keen eye for the pros and cons of others, so the nearly broken windows of Peter’s house did not escape her notice. She asked his grandfather to repair Peter’s house. The antisocial grandfather disagreed at first but later surprised everyone and repaired the house quietly. 

But Her grandfather was very disgusted with society and people. So, he would not agree to send his granddaughter to school. He thinks Heidi will go to school and be spoiled by bad company. Peter would go to school and tell Heidi school stories. 

Still, everything was going well. She had a pretty normal life with her grandfather, just like she wanted. But suddenly, one day after three years, her aunt appeared again to take her to Frankfurt. Clara, a little girl from a big man’s house, can’t walk. So, her father was looking for a partner for this disabled girl. She, therefore, came to count as her Aunt Clara’s companion. Aunt thinks Heidi will have a better life in the city.

However, her grandfather is furious; he refuses to let his granddaughter go to the city in any way. He believed that life in the city would not benefit Heidi. So, he wanted to drive away Heidi’s aunt by mistreating her. But the aunt tricks Heidi into persuading her that if she goes to town, she can buy a gift for her grandfather with her earnings. This alone motivates Heidi to go to the city. The little girl who always thinks for others instead of herself is fascinating throughout the story. 

She likewise won everyone over in no time at Clara’s home in Frankfurt. Although her mischievous nature often angered Clara’s strict housekeeper, Rottenmeier, it seemed to breathe new life into the house, causing everyone to laugh and glee. She quickly befriends Clara.

She tells Clara the story of her mountain-free life, Peter, Grandpa, Grandma, and Peter’s mother. Clara also reads books to Heidi. The home teacher who comes to teach Clara also tries teaching Heidi to read. But every day, she fails and gives up. 

At Clara’s house, Heidi sleeps comfortably in a soft bed and eats delicious food. Still, her mind wanders to the Alps, Peter, Grandpa, and Peter’s Grandma. She is agitated when she opens the window and sees nothing but buildings. She wants to run to nature again and again. 

Meanwhile, Clara’s grandmother comes to visit their house. Heidi and Clara are overjoyed to have her. Clara’s grandmother also adores Heidi very much; she tries to understand the little girl and can understand her. Clara’s grandmother gave Heidi a book to read. In the photos in the book, Heidi saw an exact reflection of her mountain life. So it became Heidi’s favorite book. Heidi’s grandma understood that if you learn to read and embrace the world of books, you can lose yourself in nature. Even if you sit in this closed house, you can see the outside world. After learning to read, Heidi was no longer in trouble at Clara’s house.

But after Clara’s grandmother left, Heidi felt lonely again. Peter and her grandfather were missing more. She was restless about going back to mountain life. At one point, Heidi became very ill. Clara’s doctor sees Heidi and gives her only advice: to save her, she must return to her village. Clara’s father, therefore, arranges for Heidi to be sent to her grandfather. Clara is distraught because she realizes that it will be tough for her to be without Heidi. In no time, a deep friendship developed between them. But Clara is desperate because her friend is too sick to let her go. This is how the two little friends parted. 

Her grandparents are overjoyed when Heidi returns to the Alps. They thought they would never see Heidi again. Familiar nature quickly healed Heidi. Heidi now reads the Bible verses to Peter’s grandma, making her very happy. When Heidi tells her story about Clara’s house and how much everyone loved and adored her, Grandfather thinks that people are not as bad as he thinks. The grandpa discovers human society in a new way through Heidi. His aversion to humans slowly fades, prompting him to return from the mountains to the village. 

And yes, Clara gave Heidi some money as a gift when she returned to the mountains. Instead of spending that money on herself, she buys soft bread for Peter’s grandmother. What a beautiful heart this little girl, Heidi. I got to know her story! 

As the snow begins to fall, Heidi’s grandfather returns to the village for real this time. Go to the Peters’ house, talk to grandma, attend church, and enroll Heidi in school. She is thrilled with this change of grandfather. Meanwhile, Peter attended school before Heidi, but she still needs to learn to read. So Heidi thinks she will teach Peter to read. Just as Clara’s grandmother got her interested in reading, she got Peter interested in reading daily. Peter learns to read through Heidi’s efforts and surprises his grandmother by reciting Bibel verses. 

Clara, on the other hand, is helpless and sick without Heidi. Clara’s Doctor Uncle is also sad and lonely after losing his only daughter. Clara’s father had planned to bring Clara to visit Heidi’s house. But as Clara grows weaker, the doctor’s uncle is sent to find Heidi. Doctor Uncle also falls in love with the Alps after coming here. All his depression is removed, and he develops a good friendship with Heidi’s grandfather. 

After the Doctor’s Uncle went and told them everything, Clara’s grandmother took her to visit the Alps at Heidi’s house. The natural essence of the Alps wants to heal Clara, too. He enjoys the beauty of the mountains as much as possible in a wheelchair with Heidi. Heidi’s grandfather continues to help Clara out of her wheelchair, trying to walk. One day, Clara truly learns to leave the wheelchair and walk alone, overcoming obstacles, to everyone’s surprise. The affair was very emotional indeed.

When Clara and her grandmother leave, they want to give Heidi a farewell gift. Heidi demands only one thing from them—that the soft bed that she used to sleep in Clara’s house be sent to Peter’s grandmother. Clara had no reason not to keep this promise. This sweet girl is a role model for everyone, and her every word and desire is a beautiful lesson for everyone. 

Through the novel “Heidi,” the author wants to develop beautiful thoughts in children’s minds. Many educational messages can be found through Heid.i and the characters surrounding her. 

How Clara’s grandmother teaches Heid.i to read also sends a beautiful message to the adults. Children should be taught as they are. Reading should not be boring; it should be taught to be fun, just as children want. 

Love and sincerity can soften even the most difficult people. Relationships between people in society are beautiful when they are sincere to each other. Another person will treat me as I would treat them. Heid.i was able to bring even her grumpy grandfather back into touch with people with her simplicity and sincerity.

Having grown up in a wheelchair since childhood, Clara’s sudden recovery in the Alps is not very realistic, but it is not impossible. Through this, the author explains that beautiful nature and the environment have an extraordinary power that can make us healthy. And if nature and sincere people are on the side, man can overcome any obstacle with courage. At least one person needs to be there to convey that ‘try, you can.’ Heidi’s grandfather played this role in Clara’s case. He may have been the first to instill in Clara the desire to learn to stand up. Not everyone can conquer this obstacle like Clara, but at least try. Efforts can bring benefits at one time.

Life Lessons from “Heidi”

1. The Healing Power of Nature:
   “Heidi” beautifully illustrates how nature can profoundly impact human well-being. The protagonist’s transformation in the idyllic setting of the Alps underscores the therapeutic benefits of fresh air, natural beauty, and a simple, unhurried life.
2. The Influence of Love and Kindness:
   The novel emphasizes that even the most hardened hearts can be softened with love and sincerity. He.idi’s genuine affection and kindness towards her reclusive grandfather help him reconnect with society, demonstrating the transformative power of positive relationships.
3. The Importance of Education Tailored to the Learner:
   Clara’s grandmother’s approach to teaching Heid.i to read—by making learning enjoyable and relevant—offers a valuable lesson for educators. It highlights the need for patience and creativity in education, ensuring learning is a delightful experience rather than a chore.
4. The Strength of Perseverance and Encouragement:
   Clara’s journey from using a wheelchair to walking showcases the incredible power of determination and encouragement. The novel reminds readers that having supportive people who believe in one’s potential can make seemingly impossible challenges achievable.
5. Selflessness and Generosity:
   Heidi’s selflessness, seen in her desire to help Peter’s grandmother with the money she received, teaches the importance of thinking beyond oneself. Her actions inspire readers to practice generosity and compassion in their daily lives.

Johanna Spyri’s Heidi is more than just a children’s book; it is a rich tapestry of lessons on love, resilience, and the simple joys of life. Through Heidi’s adventures and relationships, readers are reminded of the enduring values of kindness, nature’s healing touch, and the human spirit’s boundless possibilities. As we navigate the complexities of modern life, returning to such classics can provide both a respite and a gentle nudge towards living more meaningful and connected lives.