THE SOLAR WAVE
by Amy Ella Blanchard · from The wonderful fan
Adapted Version
It was a very hot day. Tina felt too warm. The sun was bright. She felt sticky and slow. She went to the cool parlor. It was a little better there. Tina picked up a pretty fan. It had a picture on it. She sat and fanned herself. The air moved a little. "I am so hot," she said. She fanned and fanned.
A little face looked at her. It was in the fan. The face smiled at Tina. It grew bigger and bigger. A tall maiden stood there. She was made of cool air. "I am Breeze," she said. Her voice was like a whisper. "Come with me." Breeze took Tina's hand. Her hand felt cool. They ran very fast. The world blurred around them.
They came to a bakery. It smelled like warm bread. A baker worked there. He was red in the face. He took bread from an oven. The oven was very hot. A little black imp jumped out. It was made of smoke. "I am going to the king," it said. The imp ran outside. It moved very quickly.
The sun shone on it. The imp changed into a prince. He had a golden crown. The crown shone brightly. The prince looked pale and thin. He looked very tired. Geese followed him. They walked quietly behind. He hung his crown on a tree. He slept by the water. The water was cool. The geese watched him. They stood very still.
Tina saw people talking about heat. They waved their hands. They looked unhappy. Breeze looked sad. Her face was worried. She went to the prince. Breeze put water on his eyes. The water was cool. He woke up slowly. He looked at Breeze.
They walked to a city. The city was very hot. The streets felt warm. People felt warm and tired. They sat in the shade. Breeze told them not to be afraid. Her voice was calm. They came to a bright palace. It was King Heat's home. The palace glowed with light.
Someone gave the prince a harp. It was a golden harp. He played it for the king. The music was soft. The harp showed the oven. It showed the hot bread. It showed the brook. The water looked cool. It showed the hot city. The people looked tired.
King Heat listened. He nodded his head. "It is not so bad," he said. "Breeze is very important," he said. His voice was deep. "You must stay together." He smiled a little.
Tina felt a cool breeze. It touched her face. The palace went away. It faded like a dream. She was in her parlor again. A window was open. A nice breeze blew in. It moved the curtains. Tina smiled. She felt cool and happy. Heat and breeze need each other. That keeps the world happy.
Original Story
THE SOLAR WAVE.
What a warm day it was! The sun beat down till everything was baking hot out of doors, and indoors it was nearly as bad.
Tina wandered about, up-stairs and down, and finally opened the parlor door.
“This is the coolest place yet,” she said. The shutters were closed, so the hot sun did not find its way in there. There was an odor of new matting and fresh flowers.
Tina picked up a fan that was lying on the table, threw herself down on the sofa, and began fanning herself.
“My, how warm I am!” she said. “I believe it’s just the hottest day that ever was. Maria said you could bake bread on the roof.”
8She kept on fanning herself, once in a while opening and shutting the fan, which was quite a pretty one, and Tina found herself counting the slats and looking at the decorations on them, till suddenly a little face appeared, peeping at her from the center slat of the fan, and as the fan waved back and forth, the little white face seemed to be bowing and bowing.
“I wonder where that little girl came from?” thought Tina; “she wasn’t here a minute ago.”
“Yes, I was,” said a voice, “only you didn’t see me. I was folded up in the fan, and when you waved the fan, I came out with the breeze.”
“That’s queer,” said Tina.
By this time the little face had grown larger and larger, and presently a whole little girl stood beside her.
“Isn’t it warm?” said Tina.
“Not so very, in here,” said the little girl; “but I will take you to a warm place;” and before Tina could say a word, she was seized by the hand, 9and found herself running swiftly along. She looked up at the little girl, who grew taller and taller, and by the time they had stopped running, she was a tall young maiden.
“Come,” said she, as she opened a door.
Tina went in. There was a smell of bread-baking, and just as they entered Tina saw a baker taking loaves of bread out of an oven.
“I never was in a bake-shop before like this,” thought Tina. “I am glad I can see how they make bread, and bake it;” and she stood still to watch the baker.
He had a long shovel with which he was drawing the bread out of the oven; and just at that moment Tina saw him start back, and there, stepping on the shovel, was a little black imp. It grinned at the baker, and the baker stood still and stared back at it.
“Who are you?” said he. “Where did you come from?”
“I came from the oven,” said the imp. “I’ve been in there for a week.”
10“No wonder he is so black,” thought Tina.
“Well, where are you going?” said the baker.
“I am going to the king’s palace,” said the imp.
11“Oho! I’d like to see you,” said the baker.
“Well, see me, then,” said the imp, as he jumped down and ran to the door, shouting, “Hurrah for King Caloric!”
“Come, come quickly! it is the king’s son,” said the maiden, seizing Tina by the hand.
Then they ran out of the door, and as they went, Tina saw the figure of the imp ahead of them grow larger and larger, until they came to an open field where the sun was shining brightly.
As soon as the first sunbeam struck the imp, he changed into a tall prince, with a golden crown on his head; but he looked thin and pale.
Presently a flock of twelve geese appeared, and one of them followed the prince, gently pulling his coat, till he turned round to look at it.
Then it ran on ahead until it came to a little brook, near to which a tree was growing.
The prince followed it, and taking off his crown, he hung it on the tree; then he lay down by the brook and went to sleep, while the goose crouched 12down beside him, and the eleven other geese stayed a little distance off, none of them allowing a soul to pass them.
Tina looked around, and saw in the distance what at first she thought was a pile of very bright clouds, but, as she looked, she saw that it was a palace, that glittered as if made of sunlight.
“That is where King Caloric lives,” said her companion.
Just then two men passed, going different ways. One was carrying a lamp that twinkled like a star, and the other had two or three vessels from which smoke seemed to come, as if there were fire inside.
They both looked in the direction of the sleeping prince, and one of them said to the other:
“What is heat?”
“The sensation of warmth,” was the reply.
“What is caloric?”
“A subtle, invisible fluid,” and his voice died away.
13“What on earth do they say ‘Familiar Science’ for?” said Tina.
“Hush!” said the maiden.
14“The Solar Wave,” said the men, looking over at the prince; and they passed on.
“This is the oddest place I ever saw,” said Tina; but as she looked up at her companion, she saw that the tears were running down her cheeks, and she stooped down and kissed Tina on the forehead.
Then she said, “Keep fifty yards behind me, and you will be safe.” And leaving Tina, she went toward the sleeping prince.
The geese stood aside and let her pass on.
She knelt down by the brook, and taking some water up in the hollow of her hand, she dropped a drop on each of the prince’s eyelids.
He awoke with a start, and looked at her.
“It is time,” she said.
He took her by the hand, and they walked off together. The geese all marched to the brink of the brook, and stood there till they were out of sight.
Tina followed them till they came to a city.
15She was careful to keep fifty yards behind them.
As they went on, the streets became very narrow, the houses nearer together and crowded with 16people who looked from the windows and doors, and sat in the streets outside.
As the prince and the maiden came up to them, they seemed very much afraid and distressed, and once the pair stopped, and the maiden said:
“Do not be afraid, my good people; the prince is on his way to his father’s house, and he must come this way. It will only be for a little while.” But as she looked at a woman holding a little sick child, she began to sob, and hurried on.
Tina could not imagine what was the matter, until she noticed that it grew warmer and warmer, and the people could hardly breathe for the heat.
After a while they came to the gates of the palace, and, for the first time, Tina saw that the prince did not have on his crown. He must have left it hanging on the tree, she thought.
As they went through the gates there was a great noise of trumpets. Everything seemed to be blazing with light and heat.
They went on from hall to hall. Just before 17they were to go into the last one, some one handed the prince a harp.
He carried this with him into a large room. At the end of this room sat a king on a throne.
“Is that King Caloric?” asked Tina of the maiden, who had left the prince and was standing by her side.
“Yes,” she replied. “Listen!”
The prince went up to the foot of the throne, where a seat was ready for him.
Everything was as still as could be. There were a great many persons standing about, but it was as silent as noonday, and there was the same feeling in the air.
Presently in came the twelve geese, the first one with the prince’s crown on its head. They stopped some distance from the throne, and the prince began to play.
As he played, Tina saw the oven and the baker, the field and the brook, the narrow streets, and everything.
18Everyone looked very grave, and the king listened. It seemed as if the prince were telling all that had happened, and yet he was only playing on his harp.
“It will do. It is not so bad,” said the king, when he had finished.
“It is all my good Breeze,” said the prince; “but for her, there would have been a sad tale to tell.”
“Where is she?” asked the king.
There was a little rustle, and Tina saw the maiden glide forward and stand by the prince.
“Go, my children,” said the king; “the world will be glad to see you together, and I hope your dear Breeze will grow stronger, for the world’s sake,” he said to the prince. “I see now that it would not do to part you.”
Then there was a sound of rushing wings. Tina felt a cool air blowing on her face; the palace, the prince, and all seemed to melt away, and she was looking around the parlor to find that a shutter on the shady side of the room had blown open, and 19quite a breeze was blowing. She picked up the fan, but the little girl’s face was gone, and it looked just as it did before.
Story DNA
Plot Summary
Suffering from a hot day, Tina is whisked away by a magical maiden from her fan. She witnesses a black imp transform into a pale prince, who journeys through an overheated world, accompanied by the maiden (Breeze). They arrive at King Caloric's palace, where the prince uses a harp to recount his journey and the maiden's vital role in tempering his heat. King Caloric acknowledges their essential bond, and Tina awakens, realizing the adventure was a dream-like explanation of the balance between heat and cool breezes.
Themes
Emotional Arc
curiosity to understanding
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
The story subtly references scientific concepts of heat ('caloric', 'solar wave') popular in the 19th century, personifying them within a fairy tale narrative.
Plot Beats (11)
- Tina is uncomfortably hot and seeks coolness, fanning herself in the parlor.
- A tiny face emerges from her fan, introduces itself as a 'breeze' being, and grows into a maiden.
- The maiden takes Tina to a bake-shop where a black imp emerges from an oven, declaring he's going to King Caloric's palace.
- The maiden and Tina follow the imp, who transforms into a pale prince with a golden crown when he steps into a sunbeam.
- The prince hangs his crown on a tree, falls asleep by a brook, guarded by twelve geese.
- Tina observes two men discussing 'heat' and 'caloric' as the maiden tearfully approaches the prince.
- The maiden revives the prince with water, and they depart, followed by Tina, through a city where the heat is oppressive to the inhabitants.
- They arrive at King Caloric's blazing palace, where the prince is given a harp.
- Inside the throne room, the prince plays the harp, visually recounting his journey, including the oven, the brook, and the suffering city.
- King Caloric acknowledges the prince's tale and the vital role of 'Breeze' (the maiden), declaring they must not be parted.
- Tina feels a cool breeze, and the magical scene dissolves, revealing she is back in her parlor, a shutter having blown open.
Characters
Tina ★ protagonist
A young girl of unspecified height and build, likely small given her age. Her complexion is not explicitly stated but can be inferred as fair, common in American children's literature of the era.
Attire: Simple, comfortable clothing suitable for a warm day indoors in the late 19th/early 20th century America, likely a light cotton dress or similar attire.
Wants: To escape the heat and find something interesting to do.
Flaw: Easily distracted, somewhat passive, prone to being led by others.
She experiences a fantastical journey that teaches her about the nature of heat and the importance of 'Breeze', though she may not fully grasp the scientific implications.
Curious, observant, easily bored, imaginative, a bit naive.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young girl with an inquisitive expression, sitting on a sofa, fanning herself with a decorative fan. She wears a simple, light cotton dress. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Maiden (Breeze) ◆ supporting
Initially a small, white-faced figure peeping from a fan, she grows into a tall young maiden. Her build is graceful and light, consistent with her identity as 'Breeze'.
Attire: Not explicitly described, but given her association with 'Breeze' and the prince, her attire would likely be flowing, light-colored, and ethereal, perhaps made of sheer fabrics, suggesting movement and airiness.
Wants: To guide Tina, protect the Prince, and ensure the balance of 'heat' and 'breeze' in the world.
Flaw: Her deep emotional connection to the suffering caused by excessive heat, which makes her sob.
She is initially a hidden presence, then a guide, and finally revealed as the Prince's beloved 'Breeze', whose strength is crucial for the world.
Mysterious, protective, empathetic, sorrowful, wise.
Image Prompt & Upload
A tall, graceful young woman with a gentle, empathetic expression. Her hair is long and flowing, suggesting movement. She wears a flowing, light-colored gown made of sheer fabric. She is kneeling by a small brook. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Baker ○ minor
A working man, likely robust from his profession. His face is probably smudged with flour or soot from the oven.
Attire: Simple, practical baker's attire: a white apron, possibly a white shirt, and trousers, typical of a European baker in the late 19th/early 20th century.
Wants: To bake bread and run his shop.
Flaw: Easily startled by the unexpected.
None; he serves as a brief encounter in Tina's journey.
Hardworking, surprised, curious, a bit gruff.
Image Prompt & Upload
An adult male baker, with a sturdy build, wearing a white apron over a simple shirt and trousers. He holds a long wooden baker's shovel. He has a surprised expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Imp (Prince Caloric's son) ◆ supporting
Initially a little black imp, suggesting a small, dark, possibly scaly or sooty form. Transforms into a tall, thin, and pale prince.
Attire: As an imp, likely minimal or tattered clothing, or simply a dark, sooty form. As a prince, he wears a coat and later receives a harp. His royal attire would be appropriate for a prince, but the focus is on his paleness.
Wants: To reach his father's palace and fulfill his role, which involves a journey of transformation and expression through music.
Flaw: His 'thin and pale' state, implying a lack of balance or vitality without 'Breeze'.
Transforms from a mischievous imp to a pale prince, then uses his music to convey his journey, ultimately reunited with 'Breeze' and recognized by his father.
Mischievous and bold as an imp; quiet, somewhat melancholic, and artistic as a prince.
Image Prompt & Upload
A tall, thin young man with a pale complexion and a serious expression. He wears a simple, dark coat and trousers, and a golden crown on his head. He holds a wooden harp in his hands. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
King Caloric ◆ supporting
A king, likely of imposing stature, though his physical details are not explicitly given. He sits on a throne, suggesting a regal presence.
Attire: Royal robes, likely rich and formal, suitable for a king in a palace. Given the theme of 'heat', perhaps deep reds, golds, or fiery colors, though not specified.
Wants: To understand his son's journey and ensure the well-being of his kingdom and the world.
Flaw: Initially seems to have allowed a situation where his son was 'thin and pale'.
He listens and learns from his son's story, ultimately recognizing the vital role of 'Breeze' and reuniting her with his son.
Grave, wise, discerning, ultimately benevolent.
Image Prompt & Upload
An elderly, regal king with a dignified and grave expression. He has a long beard and wears elaborate, richly embroidered robes in deep red and gold, and a jeweled crown. He is seated on a grand, ornate throne. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
Tina's Parlor
A room in Tina's house, kept cool with closed shutters to block the hot sun. It has an odor of new matting and fresh flowers. A sofa is present, and a decorative fan with slats lies on a table.
Mood: Initially stifling and warm, then becomes slightly cooler with a magical, transitional quality as the fan comes to life.
Tina first encounters the little girl from the fan, initiating her magical journey.
Image Prompt & Upload
A sun-drenched, slightly dim parlor interior with light filtering through closed wooden shutters. The room features a woven matting floor, a plush Victorian-era sofa, and a small side table holding a decorative, hand-painted fan. Vases of fresh, fragrant flowers sit on a mantelpiece. The air is still and warm, with a sense of quiet anticipation. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
The Baker's Shop
A bustling bake-shop with the strong smell of fresh bread. A large, traditional brick oven dominates the space, from which a baker uses a long wooden shovel to retrieve loaves.
Mood: Warm, industrious, and suddenly mischievous with the appearance of the imp.
Tina witnesses the imp emerging from the oven and declaring his journey to the king's palace.
Image Prompt & Upload
A rustic, bustling European bake-shop interior with a massive, arched brick oven glowing warmly at the back. Wooden shelves line the walls, laden with cooling loaves of crusty bread. A baker, in a flour-dusted apron, uses a long wooden peel to extract golden-brown bread from the oven's mouth. Warm, diffused light from a high window illuminates the scene, highlighting the steam rising from fresh bread. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Open Field with Brook and Tree
A bright, open field under a shining sun. A small brook meanders through the field, and a solitary tree grows nearby. A flock of twelve geese is present.
Mood: Peaceful, natural, and significant for the prince's transformation and rest.
The imp transforms into a prince, hangs his crown on the tree, and rests by the brook. The maiden later revives him here.
Image Prompt & Upload
A wide, sun-drenched open field with lush green grass stretching to the horizon. A narrow, clear brook meanders gently through the foreground, its banks lined with smooth river stones. A single, mature oak tree stands prominently near the brook, its leaves rustling softly in a gentle breeze. The sky above is a brilliant, cloudless blue. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
King Caloric's Palace
A magnificent palace that glitters as if made of sunlight, seen from a distance. Inside, it has multiple halls leading to a large, blazing room where King Caloric sits on a throne. The atmosphere is intensely hot and bright, causing distress to the people outside.
Mood: Overwhelmingly bright, hot, and grand, with an underlying tension and solemnity during the prince's performance.
The prince plays his harp for King Caloric, recounting his journey, and is reunited with the maiden, 'Breeze'.
Image Prompt & Upload
A vast, opulent palace interior, constructed from gleaming, polished white marble and gold, radiating intense light and heat. Long, wide halls with towering, ornate columns lead to a grand throne room. At the far end, a majestic, golden throne is elevated on a dais, with a regal figure seated upon it. The air shimmers with heat, and the light is almost blindingly bright, casting sharp, dramatic shadows. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
