Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Iron Hans
The story of Iron Hans is that of a boy learning what it takes to become a man. At the beginning of the story he is a boy in his truest form, only focused on getting his ball back and not being punished by his father. He follows Iron Hans into the forest where he is given a charge. He is instructed to protect a stream. He acts childishly in regards to his duty, failing them three times, but he learns his responsibilities along the way. He ends up with golden hair that somewhat signifies his approach into manhood. This is only further exemplified when he takes up the manly acts of wooing a princess and slaying the enemies of his king. As he matures more and more with his actions, he also acts more and more maturely. His humility is so great that he constantly tries to keep his cap on and refuses any recognition or money. At the very end he is rewarded for his humble actions and receives not only the princess, but also all the treasure of iron hans.
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I wrote about a very similar topic. When you take apart the parts of the story there is a clear transformation from a young boy concerned with the very immediate, to a boy who is humble and patient and is willing to wait for his reward (the princess). I thought it was interesting that you said that his golden hair signifies his approach to manhood.
ReplyDeleteI also thought it was interesting that you said that his golden hair signifies his approach to manhood. In what way? I agree with you. And I think it also serves as a reminder of his childhood. It is almost as if it is the transition that the boy needed. It is gold which could represent wealth and royalty, and that is his background. Yet, he received the golden hair from the wild, so that represents what he learned in the wild on his own. So, he has it as a reminder and it helps him to become a man. We definitely see a change in the boy after his hair becomes golden, and I think that the change comes about partly because of the hair - it is a reminder of his childish ways that he needs to change.
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