Vocabulary
What is a wheelchair?
The device handicapped people use to move around.
Contrast how Heidi and Peter react to visitors coming from Frankfurt. What do their reactions tell you about them?
Heidi is happy and Peter is angry. That tells us that Heidi loved her new friends and loved to show more people her favorite place. It also shows us that Peter is jealous and overprotective of Heidi.
One of the biggest themes in the novel is "Prayer proves that we have faith in God". Why does Heidi say we should pray even if God already knows our thoughts?
Heidi says we should pray even if God already knows everything because it shows Him our trust and our gratitude.
In Chapter 19, Peter learns to read. Who teaches him? What problem does "the teacher" have to teach him?
Heidi taught Peter to read. Peter didn't want to learn to read, so Heidi had to convience him by telling him that if he didn't learn, they would send him to Frankfurt.
"I have done my share for the child, and what more can I do ? It is not to be expected that I can carry a child of five years old to Frankfort with me."
Aunt Dete
What is the meaning of the word "blind"? Who is blind in the story?
Blind means without the capacity to see. Peter's grandmother is blind.
Clara did something she had never done before: she tried to walk. Describe the process. Who helped her?
Clara's legs were very weak because she wasn't used to using them. Grandfather gave her support and told her to try for longer periods of time each day.
The book gives us a big lesson on "family" share what you think the lesson is and share EXAMPLES FROM THE NOVEL.
What ghost haunted the Seseman's house? Why was "the ghost" there?
The ghost was Heidi. She was so sad about not being in the Alps that she began to sleepwalk. The doctor and Herr Seseman solved the mistery.
"Peter, if you do not come this instant, I will do something to you that you will not like. You may believe it!"
Heidi
What is faith? How is faith presented in the novel?
Faith is believing in something we can't see. It is presented in the novel because Heidi prays and truly believes that God hears her and is in control of the situation.
Peter was very angry about Clara's visit. How does he show his anger? What does that tell you about him?
Peter pushed Clara's wheelchair off the cliff. That shows us that he is very jealous but isn't used to expressing his feelings through words.
Heidi and Clara are very different. How do you think they complete each other? PROVIDE EXAMPLES FROM THE NOVEL.
Heidi helps Clara emotionally. She makes her happier and teaches her that nothing is really impossible. Clara helps Heidi intellectually. She keeps Heidi grounded and shows her what it's like to have a family.
Clara and Heidi go to the mountain and admire some flowers. Heidi leaves Clara alone for a few minutes. What does Clara think about in the meantime? Why did Heidi leave?
Clara thinks about life being independent. Heidi goes to get Peter because she wants to show Clara the flowers.
"But, Heidi," she said after a pause, " if that is true, we ought never to ask for anything, because the good God must always know of something better for us than we can know about."
Clara
What is a telegraph? Who sends one in the last chapter?
It is a machine to send a message through long distances. Grandmamma sends one to Herr Sesemann.
Clara's grandmamma was very nervous when she returned to the Alps. What made her nervous and why was she suddenly calm?
She was anxious because they couldn't find the wheelchair. She became suddenly calm because she saw Clara healthy and walking.
Peter did something terrible to Clara and felt awfully after. What does that teach us about the way we react and the way we control our emotions?
It teaches us that we should always control ourselves, specially when we have strong emotions. It's better to express anger in a calm way than to deal with terrible consequences for a long time.
Grandfather is worried about Heidi's future and decides to talk to Herr Sesemann. What do they discuss?
Grandfather is concerned about his death and Heidi's future. Herr Sesemann tells him that he will take care of Heidi when/if he dies because he considers her his daughter.
"I can see that by your cheeks, Klara. No, I really do not know you ; you have grown round and plump, as I never dreamed you could be. Is it really my Klara ? We will not lose one moment, but telegraph to my son in Paris; he must come to see you immediately."
Grandmamma
What is a hut?
It is a small/simple house.
Grandmamma wants to send a letter and Grandfather decides to call Peter trough whistling. What does Peter think the whistle mean? What does that show about Peter?
He thinks he will be arrested for pushing the wheelchair off the mountain. It shows that Peter feels guilty about what he did.
The novel focuses on the theme "the benefits of nature". According to the novel, what benefits can nature bring to our lives? PROVIDE EXAMPLES FROM THE NOVEL.
Nature can bring physical and emotional benefits. For example, the way Clara was able to start walking.
Peter learns to read and creates a habit of reading hymns to his grandmother. What does his grandmother think about his reading?
"Just tell me if by this path I shall come to the cottage, where an old man lives with a child called Heidi, and where the people from Frank fort are staying?"
Herr Sesemann