19th Century Short Stories – Hopfrog

19th Century Short Stories – Hopfrog Hop-frog: ‘He seemed to live only for joking’ –> provides a positive connotation on the King. Makes the reader have a very happy and positive impression of him; however the reader soon realizes he is not. Writer does this to perhaps emphasize the fact that first impressions can be deceiving, and does not represent the person as a whole. Never judge by impressions. ‘ His value was trebled’ –> King values Hop-frog DESPITE him labeling frog a ‘fool’. There is therefore the impression that this ‘nickname’ is just a joke; similar to how close friends relationship. Ironic because this is not the case, and the reader soon realizes the king’s only ‘true’ value for Hop-frog is his ability to make him laugh; selfish, unsympathetic. ‘It was from some barbarous region’ –> the fact that hop-frog has originally come from a barbarous region, which implies a cruel and brutal environment, makes the reader sympathize for his revenge plan at the end; the fact that he has already had a possibly abused past. King’s actions doesn’t help, reminds of past. Understandable actions. Implanting idea that Hop-frog’s plan is justified. ‘Close intimacy’ –> Trippetta and Hop-frogs close relationship. Reader understands why Hop-Frog was willing to take revenge for her. ‘Humbly’ àHop-Frog humbly takes the wine that is forced upon him. Intensifies the idea of the king being manipulative, the fact that Hop-Frog still has to ‘humbly’ take it implies the power the king seems to have, and also suggesting the insignificance of Hop-Frog. However ironic as even though he proves to be insignificant, he is able to overthrow the king. True hero. ‘King’s joke’ –> Incredibly ironic. It is this ‘joke’ that essentially costs all their lives. So in a sense, it is not a joke, but rather the start of a brutal plan. Triggers Hop-Frog’s anger. ‘Chorused by the seven’ –> the ministers although by the king, are just as insignificant. Have to follow the king. Probably just as insignificant as Hop-Frog, however because by the king, seems to gain ‘power’, intensifies idea of the King’s manipulation/influence as well. Although they seem to be passive, actions are still inexcusable. ‘Grating’ –> Symbolic function. Motif. Grating symbolizes the rage in Hop-Frog. Appears at the end of the story too, where we realize his revenge plan. Symbolic of his anger. The fact that the king does not know where it is coming from, just shows how oblivious to his surroundings he is, makes him look stupid in a sense. The smart one is Hop-Frog. ‘It must be’ –> Ironic. King confirms and seems to be excited about Hop-Frogs plan, when really, it is his revenge plan. Creates the idea that he leads himself to his own death. As he his is the one to confirm the idea. The emphasis on ‘must’ intensifies this idea. ‘convulsed with laughter’ –> The people at the party including the ‘apes’ still do not realize the true intentions of Hop-Frog. Makes them look stupid, while making Hop-Frog seem more intelligent. The fact that Hop-Frog was described to be such an insignificant being emphasizes the stupidity of the masqueraders. ‘Leisurely’ –> the fact that he climbs away in such a relaxed manner, implies that he seems to be entertained/enjoyed. Also emphasizes it did not take much effort to kill off the king and ministers; emphasizing their stupidity once again. Normally, Hop-frog would be perceived as a cruel and ruthless character, but because of Hop-Frogs abused past, and the fact that the King’s actions were completely inexcusable, the reader feels that his revenge plan was justified.