The Pied Piper of Hamelin

The Pied Piper of Hamelin

By Robert Browning

Hamelin Town is in Brunswick, near the famous city of Hanover. The river Weser is deep and wide, and its banks are washed by the water on the southern side. It is a pleasant place, and no one ever thought it could be better. Almost five hundred years ago, the townspeople suffered terribly from vermin. The rats fought with dogs, killed cats, bit babies in cradles, ate cheese from vats, licked soup from cooks’ ladles, broke open salted sprat kegs, made nests in men’s Sunday hats, and spoiled women’s conversations by drowning them with shrieking and squeaking in fifty different notes.

At last the people gathered at the Town Hall. “It is clear,” they cried, “our mayor is a fool; and as for our corporation—shocking—to think we buy gowns lined with ermine for fools that cannot or will not decide what it takes to rid us of our vermin!” The mayor and the corporation quaked with great distress.

An hour later, the mayor broke his silence. “For a guilder I would sell my ermine gown,” he said. “I wish I were a mile away! It is easy to give one’s brain a rack. I am sure my poor head aches again. I have scratched it so, and all in vain. Oh for a trap, a trap, a trap!” Just then a gentle tap on the chamber door made him exclaim, “Bless us, what is that?” He looked little but wondered. Only a scraping of shoes on the mat, something like the sound of a rat, made his heart pound.

“Come in,” the mayor cried, looking larger. The strangest figure entered. He wore a long coat from heel to head, half yellow and half red, and he was tall and thin. He had sharp blue eyes like pins, light loose hair, and a swarthy complexion. No beard nor tuft of hair on his cheek, yet his lips smiled. He was a mysterious man and nobody could fully know him.

He advanced to the council table. “Please, your honors, I am able by a secret charm to draw all creatures living beneath the sun—those that creep, swim, fly, or run—after me as you have never seen. I chiefly use my charm on creatures that harm people: the mole, the toad, the newt, and the viper. They call me the Pied Piper.” They noted a scarf of red and yellow stripes around his neck, matching his coat. At the end of the scarf hung a pipe, and his fingers were always restless, as if eager to play it.

He said he had freed the Cham of gnats in Tartary last June and had helped the Nizam in Asia rid a monstrous brood of vampire bats. “If I can rid your town of rats, will you give me a thousand guilders? Fifty thousand?” The astonished mayor and corporation were shocked.

The piper stepped into the street, smiling a little, as if he knew what magic slept in his quiet pipe. He blew the pipe, his lips wrinkled, his eyes green and blue. The first three notes sounded like an army muttering; the muttering grew to a grumbling, then a mighty rumbling. Out of the houses the rats came tumbling. Great rats, small rats, lean rats, brawny rats, brown rats, black rats, grey rats, tawny rats, old plodders, young friskers, fathers, mothers, uncles, cousins, cocking tails, pricking whiskers, families by tens and dozens, brothers, sisters, husbands, wives—all followed the Piper. From street to street he piped forward, step by step, until they reached the river Weser, where all plunged and perished—except one who swam across and lived, carrying his manuscript to Rat‑land, his commentary preserved. The sound he heard was a scrape, a bite of apples, a moving away of pickle tubs, a leavening of conserve cupboards, a drawing of corks from train‑oil flasks, a breaking of butter cask hoops. It seemed as if a voice sweeter than harp or psaltery breathed out, “Oh rats, rejoice! The world is one vast drysaltery! So munch on, crunch on, take your dinner, lunch, breakfast, supper!” And he stands to this very day, saying that in Transylvania a tribe of alien people ascribe outlandish ways and dress to their fathers and mothers, who once were trapped in subterranean prisons and now walk in the streets of Hamelin, yet they do not understand how or why.

“So, Willy, let us and you be wipers of scores, out with all men—especially pipers: whether they pipe us free from rats or from mice, if we have promised them anything, let us keep our promise.”

Welcome, dear readers, to an exploration of a timeless narrative, “The Pied Piper of Hamelin.” This captivating story, often attributed to the renowned poet Robert Browning, weaves a tale of magic, promises, and profound consequences. It has enchanted audiences for centuries, not only for its fantastical elements but also for the deep moral lessons it imparts. Join us as we delve into the heart of Hamelin, uncover the layers of this compelling narrative, and appreciate the masterful storytelling that makes it an enduring classic.

The Pied Piper of Hamelin: A Comprehensive Overview

Summary of the Narrative

The story of “The Pied Piper of Hamelin” unfolds in the prosperous German town of Hamelin, which finds itself in a dire predicament. The town is overrun by a relentless plague of rats, causing widespread destruction and distress. The desperate townspeople appeal to their Mayor and Corporation, who are at a loss for a solution.

A mysterious figure, the Pied Piper, clad in a striking half-yellow, half-red coat, appears and offers to rid the town of its vermin for a fee of a thousand guilders. The Mayor and Corporation, overjoyed and relieved, readily agree, even jesting about offering fifty thousand. The Piper then plays his magical pipe, charming all the rats to follow him to the river Weser, where they drown. The town is saved.

However, when the Piper returns for his payment, the Mayor and Corporation, now free from the rat menace, renege on their promise, offering a mere fifty guilders. Enraged by their betrayal, the Piper plays his pipe once more. This time, it is not the rats but the children of Hamelin who are drawn by the enchanting melody. They follow him out of the town and into a mountain, which closes behind them, never to be seen again. The town is left in sorrow and regret, a stark reminder of the consequences of broken promises.

Central Idea and Noteworthy Knowledge

The central idea of “The Pied Piper of Hamelin” is the profound importance of keeping one’s promises and the severe repercussions of greed and betrayal. The narrative serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating how short-sighted self-interest can lead to devastating and irreversible loss.

• Enduring Popularity: The legend of the Pied Piper is a German folktale with roots dating back to the 13th century. Robert Browning’s poetic rendition, published in 1842, significantly popularized the story, cementing its place in Western literature. Its appeal lies in its blend of fantastical elements, a clear moral message, and a chilling, unforgettable conclusion.
• Fairy Tale Elements and Subversion: While the narrative contains classic fairy tale elements such as magical intervention, a clear antagonist (the rats, then the Mayor), and a hero figure (the Piper), it subverts the traditional happy ending. The loss of the children introduces a dark, tragic dimension, making it a more complex and poignant story than many conventional fairy tales.
• Symbolism of Loss: The disappearance of the children is often interpreted as a symbol of the loss of innocence, hope, and the future of the community. It underscores the idea that the consequences of moral failings can extend far beyond the immediate parties involved, impacting an entire generation.
• The Power of Music: Music is portrayed as an irresistible, almost supernatural force. It is the instrument of both salvation and retribution, highlighting its immense power to influence and control.

In-Depth Analysis of Literary Devices

The narrative of “The Pied Piper of Hamelin” employs a rich array of literary devices to enhance its impact, create vivid imagery, and convey its powerful themes. Even in this prose retelling, these elements are skillfully woven into the fabric of the story.

1. Alliteration: The repetition of initial consonant sounds in close proximity creates a musicality and emphasizes certain phrases, making them more memorable.
   • Example 1: “salted sprat kegs” highlights the specific type of food the rats were destroying, adding a rhythmic quality to the description of their mischief.
   • Example 2: “shrieking and squeaking” vividly captures the cacophony caused by the rats, immersing the reader in the chaotic atmosphere of Hamelin.
   • Example 3: “fathers, mothers, uncles, cousins” in the description of the rats following the Piper creates a sense of overwhelming numbers and familial unity among the vermin.
2. Assonance: The repetition of vowel sounds within nearby words helps to create internal rhymes and a sense of flow, contributing to the narrative’s rhythm.
   • Example 1: “on creatures that do people harm” features the repeated ‘o’ sound, linking the idea of harm with the creatures.
   • Example 2: “great rats, small rats, lean rats, brawny rats” uses the ‘a’ and ‘ea’ sounds to create a sense of the vast and varied multitude of rats.
3. Consonance: The repetition of consonant sounds within or at the end of words in close proximity adds texture and emphasis to the language.
   • Example 1: “our mayor’s a noddy” uses the repeated ‘d’ sound to underscore the townspeople’s frustration with their leader.
   • Example 2: “his fingers were always restless” uses the ‘s’ sound to subtly suggest the Piper’s readiness and the latent power within him.
4. Hyperbole: Exaggeration for emphasis or effect is used to underscore the severity of the rat problem and the Piper’s extraordinary abilities.
   • Example 1: The rats “fought with dogs, killed cats, bit babies in cradles” is an exaggeration that vividly conveys the extreme nature of the infestation and the terror it caused.
   • Example 2: The Piper claiming to have “freed the Cham of gnats in Tartary last June and had helped the Nizam in Asia rid a monstrous brood of vampire bats” uses hyperbole to establish his formidable reputation and unique skills.
5. Imagery: Sensory details that appeal to sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch are used to paint vivid pictures and immerse the reader in the story’s world.
   • Visual Imagery: “He wore a long coat from heel to head, half yellow and half red, and he was tall and thin. He had sharp blue eyes like pins, light loose hair, and a swarthy complexion.” This detailed description creates a clear mental image of the mysterious Piper.
   • Auditory Imagery: “With shrieking and squeaking in fifty different notes” brings the chaotic sound of the rats to life. Later, “The first three notes sounded like an army muttering; the muttering grew to a grumbling, then a mighty rumbling” vividly describes the escalating sound of the rats responding to the pipe.
   • Tactile Imagery: “bit babies in cradles” evokes a visceral sense of the rats’ destructive presence.
6. Irony: The use of language that conveys a meaning opposite to its literal sense, or a situation where the outcome is contrary to what is expected, is central to the narrative’s moral.
   • Situational Irony: The Mayor and Corporation, initially desperate enough to promise “fifty thousand” guilders, then refuse to pay the agreed “thousand” once the problem is solved. This reversal of their initial generosity is deeply ironic, as their greed leads to a far greater loss.
   • Verbal Irony: The townspeople crying, “our mayor is a fool; and as for our corporation—shocking—to think we buy gowns lined with ermine for fools that cannot or will not decide what it takes to rid us of our vermin!” contains a bitter irony, as their leaders’ perceived foolishness in handling rats is later overshadowed by their actual foolishness in breaking a promise.
7. Metaphor: A direct comparison between two unlike things without using “like” or “as,” implying that one thing *is* another.
   • Example 1: The rats are implicitly a “plague” or “vermin,” but their actions make them a metaphor for unchecked greed and chaos, consuming the town’s resources and peace.
   • Example 2: The Mayor’s head “aches again. I have scratched it so, and all in vain. Oh for a trap, a trap, a trap!” The “trap” here becomes a metaphor for any solution or escape from his predicament, not just a literal rat trap.
8. Onomatopoeia: Words that imitate the sounds they represent, enhancing the auditory experience of the narrative.
   • Example 1: “shrieking and squeaking” perfectly mimics the high-pitched noises of the rats.
   • Example 2: The description of the rats’ activity: “a scrape, a bite of apples, a moving away of pickle tubs, a leavening of conserve cupboards, a drawing of corks from train‑oil flasks, a breaking of butter cask hoops” uses sound-suggesting words to paint a vivid picture of their destructive feasting.
9. Personification: Giving human characteristics or abilities to inanimate objects or animals, making them more relatable or impactful.
   • Example 1: The rats are described as “old plodders, young friskers, fathers, mothers, uncles, cousins, cocking tails, pricking whiskers, families by tens and dozens, brothers, sisters, husbands, wives.” This personifies the rats, giving them a social structure and familial bonds, which makes their collective demise more striking.
   • Example 2: The river Weser is where the rats “all plunged and perished,” implying an active role in their destruction, almost as if the river itself is consuming them.
10. Simile: A comparison between two unlike things using “like” or “as,” making the description more vivid and understandable.
    • Example 1: The Piper’s “sharp blue eyes like pins” creates a clear visual image of his piercing gaze.
    • Example 2: The sound of the Piper’s pipe is described as “like an army muttering,” giving the reader an immediate sense of its growing volume and power.
    • Example 3: The sound of shoes on the mat is “something like the sound of a rat,” creating a moment of suspense and fear for the Mayor.
11. Symbolism: The use of objects, characters, or actions to represent abstract ideas or concepts, adding deeper meaning to the narrative.
    • The Rats: Symbolize unchecked greed, chaos, and the destructive consequences of ignoring problems. They represent the moral decay that can infest a community.
    • The Pied Piper: Symbolizes justice, retribution, and the consequences of broken promises. His dual-colored coat suggests his ambiguous nature, capable of both salvation and destruction.
    • The Pipe/Music: Represents irresistible power, enchantment, and the ability to influence and control. It is a tool of both miraculous deliverance and devastating revenge.
    • The Children: Symbolize innocence, hope, and the future of the community. Their loss represents the ultimate price paid for the town’s moral failings.

Crafting the Narrative: Stylistic Devices

While the provided text is a prose retelling, it still employs various stylistic choices that contribute to its narrative power and engagement, much like a poetic work would. These devices shape the reader’s experience and deepen the story’s impact.

1. Diction: The careful selection of words to convey specific meanings, tones, and effects. The narrative uses a blend of formal and descriptive language to create its atmosphere.
   • Example 1: Words like “vermin,” “quaked,” “distress,” and “monstrous brood” evoke a sense of urgency, fear, and the severity of the problems faced by Hamelin.
   • Example 2: The description of the Piper’s appearance with words like “strangest figure,” “swarthy complexion,” and “mysterious man” builds an aura of intrigue around him.
   • Example 3: The Mayor’s lament, “Oh for a trap, a trap, a trap!” uses simple, repetitive diction to convey his desperation and mental anguish.
2. Narrative Structure: The way the story is organized and unfolds, typically following a chronological progression with clear exposition, rising action, climax, and resolution.
   • The narrative begins with an introduction to Hamelin and its rat problem (exposition).
   • The arrival of the Piper and his offer constitutes the rising action.
   • The Piper ridding the town of rats and the Mayor’s refusal to pay forms the climax of the initial conflict.
   • The Piper’s revenge and the disappearance of the children serve as the tragic resolution, leaving the town in despair.
3. Pacing: The speed at which the story unfolds. The narrative skillfully varies its pacing to build tension and highlight key moments.
   • The initial description of the rats’ destruction is rapid and overwhelming, conveying the chaos.
   • The Mayor’s internal struggle and the Piper’s entrance are described with a slower, more deliberate pace, building suspense.
   • The rats’ exodus is depicted with a quick, almost frantic pace: “Out of the houses the rats came tumbling. Great rats, small rats… all followed the Piper.”
   • The final, tragic act of the children following the Piper is also swift, emphasizing the sudden and irreversible loss.
4. Tone: The attitude of the narrator towards the subject matter. The narrative maintains a tone that shifts from descriptive and somewhat lighthearted to one of growing tension, then to a somber and cautionary note.
   • Initially, the tone is almost whimsical in describing the rats’ antics: “spoiled women’s conversations by drowning them with shrieking and squeaking.”
   • It shifts to one of desperation and frustration when describing the townspeople and the Mayor.
   • The tone becomes mysterious and awe-inspiring with the Piper’s arrival and his magical feat.
   • Finally, it settles into a deeply tragic and moralistic tone, particularly in the concluding lines that warn against breaking promises.
5. Dialogue: The direct speech of characters, which reveals their personalities, motivations, and advances the plot.
   • The townspeople’s cry, “It is clear… our mayor is a fool,” immediately establishes their frustration and the Mayor’s predicament.
   • The Mayor’s lament, “Oh for a trap, a trap, a trap!” reveals his desperation and lack of solutions.
   • The Piper’s calm and confident declaration, “I am able by a secret charm to draw all creatures living beneath the sun… They call me the Pied Piper,” establishes his power and identity.
   • The final moralizing statement, “if we have promised them anything, let us keep our promise,” serves as a direct address to the reader, reinforcing the central theme.

The Enduring Message of Hamelin

The story of “The Pied Piper of Hamelin” transcends its fantastical premise to deliver a timeless and universal message. It is a powerful reminder that integrity, honesty, and the keeping of one’s word are fundamental pillars of a just society. The narrative vividly illustrates how greed and the betrayal of trust can lead to unforeseen and devastating consequences, impacting not just individuals but the very fabric of a community.

The tale’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to resonate across generations, prompting reflection on moral responsibility and the true cost of deceit. As the concluding lines wisely advise, “whether they pipe us free from rats or from mice, if we’ve promised them aught, let us keep our promise.” This simple yet profound truth remains the heart of Hamelin’s cautionary legend, ensuring its place as a vital piece of literary heritage.