Podcast
Questions and Answers
What was the initial size of the boy known as Thumbling?
What was the initial size of the boy known as Thumbling?
He was as big as a thumb.
How did Thumbling come to live with the giant?
How did Thumbling come to live with the giant?
The giant picked him up while he was in the furrow and took him home.
What was the giant's purpose in testing Thumbling's strength?
What was the giant's purpose in testing Thumbling's strength?
The giant wanted to see how strong Thumbling had become after being suckled.
What was the final test of strength that Thumbling successfully accomplished?
What was the final test of strength that Thumbling successfully accomplished?
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What did the old giant say after Thumbling completed his final test?
What did the old giant say after Thumbling completed his final test?
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What does the young giant assert about his identity when he approaches the farmer?
What does the young giant assert about his identity when he approaches the farmer?
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How does the farmer initially respond to the young giant's claim?
How does the farmer initially respond to the young giant's claim?
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Describe how the young giant demonstrates his strength while ploughing.
Describe how the young giant demonstrates his strength while ploughing.
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What was the reaction of the farmer's wife when she first sees the young giant?
What was the reaction of the farmer's wife when she first sees the young giant?
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How does the young giant's appetite affect his family when he asks for food?
How does the young giant's appetite affect his family when he asks for food?
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Study Notes
Overview of "The Young Giant"
- A countryman has a son, Thumbling, who remains remarkably small and is not expected to grow.
- Thumbling insists on accompanying his father to the field; concerned for his safety, his father places him in his pocket.
The Encounter with the Giant
- A giant approaches the duo while they are in the field.
- The father tries to frighten Thumbling by claiming the giant wants to take him away.
- The giant carefully picks up Thumbling and departs, leaving the father in terror of losing his son.
Life with the Giant
- The giant raises Thumbling, nourishing him, which helps him grow tall and strong over a series of years.
- After two years, the giant tests Thumbling's strength in the forest.
- Thumbling shows remarkable strength, initially uprooting a young tree and later an old tree.
Proving Strength
- Thumbling's strength continues to increase; after suckling for two more years, he uproots a strong oak tree with ease.
- The giant declares Thumbling perfect and returns him to his father.
Father-Son Reunion
- The father hesitates to recognize the grown Thumbling, believing he cannot be his son due to the drastic change in size.
- Thumbling insists he can help with plowing and claims he is indeed his father’s son.
- The father, intimidated by Thumbling's stature, steps back from the plow.
Thumbling's Achievements
- Thumbling plows two acres of land single-handedly, showcasing his superhuman strength.
- He harrows the entire field and effortlessly carries two oak trees, one in front and one behind him, along with harrows and a horse.
Mother's Reaction
- Upon arriving home, Thumbling's mother does not recognize him and mistreats him, thinking he’s an intruder.
- She states they never had a son that size, causing Thumbling to remain silent despite her claims.
- Thumbling feeds the horses and later requests food, consuming enormous portions—feedback from his mother indicates she is unable to provide enough.
Themes
- Transformation: Represents the transition from a small, unwanted child to a powerful and capable young man.
- Family Dynamics: Explores the relationship between the father, mother, and son amid misunderstanding and fear.
- Identity and Recognition: Examines how physical appearance affects recognition, acceptance, and familial bonds.
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Description
Explore the tale of 'The Young Giant' where a diminutive boy, no larger than a thumb, embarks on a journey with his father. Delve into the themes of growth, adventure, and the bond between parent and child in this enchanting story. Discover the challenges faced by Thumbling as he seeks to prove his worth.
