The Story of the Noses
by Édouard Laboulaye · from Laboulaye's Fairy Book
Adapted Version
A farmer had a funny rule. He lived near a big town. He had a good farm. New workers tried his rule. They worked for one year. If they said "not happy," they felt silly. The Farmer had this rule too.
Many young men came. They wanted to work. They all tried the rule. They said "not happy." They all went home. They felt very silly.
Then a clever boy came. His name was Dan. He took the challenge.
Dan worked hard. No one gave him food. He went to the house. He took ham and bread. The Wife was sad. "My ham is gone!" she cried. "Are you happy?" asked Dan. "Yes, I am happy," said the Farmer.
"Cook meat with Parsley," said the Farmer. Parsley was a special plant. Dan took the plant. He cooked it with meat. The Wife came home. "My Parsley is gone!" she cried. "Are you happy?" asked Dan. "Yes, I am happy," said the Farmer.
"Do what others do," said the Farmer. Dan saw men painting a shed. Dan painted the new house. He used funny colors. The Farmer came home. "My new house!" he cried. "Are you happy?" asked Dan. "Yes, I am happy," said the Farmer.
The Farmer was very mad. The Wife was sad too. They wanted Dan to leave. They talked to Helen. She was very smart.
Helen had a good plan. She would hide in a tree. She would make a bird sound. It was a cuckoo sound. The cuckoo means spring. Then Dan must leave.
The next day, Dan heard it. "Cuckoo!" he heard. He ran to the tree. He shook the tree hard. Helen fell from the tree. She was not hurt.
The Farmer saw Helen fall. He was very angry. "You are bad!" he cried. "I am not happy!" he yelled. Dan smiled big. Now the Farmer felt silly.
Dan took out a toy knife. He held it up high. The Farmer was scared. "No, please!" he said. "Take gifts instead!" Dan said, "No. The rule is the rule."
Helen stepped forward boldly. "Stop, Dan!" she said. "Do not make him silly." She looked at Dan. "Will you marry me?" she asked.
Dan looked at Helen. He put his knife away. "Yes," he said. "I will marry you." "But we must have a rule." "Always ask, 'Are you happy?'"
Dan and Helen married. They were very happy. They always asked this. "Are you happy?" No one ever said no. It is good to be clever. Keep your promises. Then all can be happy.
Original Story
The Story of the Noses
A Bohemian Tale
t Dewitz, in the neighborhood of Prague, there once lived a rich and whimsical old farmer who had a beautiful daughter. The students of Prague, of whom there were at that time twenty-five thousand, often walked in the direction of Dewitz, and more than one of them offered to follow the plow in hopes of becoming the son-in-law of the farmer. The first condition that the cunning peasant set on each new servant was this: "I engage you," he would say, "for a year—that is, till the cuckoo sings the return of spring; but if, from now till then, you say once that you are not satisfied, I will cut off the end of your nose. I give you the same right over me," he added, laughing. And he did as he said. Prague was full of students with the ends of their noses glued on, which did not prevent an ugly scar, and, still less, bad jokes. To return from the farm disfigured and ridiculed was well calculated to cool the warmest passion.
A young man by the name of Coranda, somewhat ungainly in manner, but cool, adroit, and cunning, which are not bad aids in making one's fortune, took it in his head to try the adventure. The farmer received him with his usual good nature, and, the bargain made, sent him to the field to work. At breakfast-time the other servants were called, but good care was taken to forget Coranda. At dinner it was the same. Coranda gave himself no trouble about it. He went to the house, and while the farmer's wife was feeding the chickens unhooked an enormous ham from the kitchen rafters, took a huge loaf from the cupboard, and went back to the fields to dine and take a nap.
"Are you satisfied?" cried the farmer, when he returned at night.
"Perfectly satisfied," said Coranda; "I have dined better than you have."
At that instant the farmer's wife came rushing in, crying that her ham was gone. Coranda laughed, and the farmer turned pale.
"Are you not satisfied?" asked Coranda.
"A ham is only a ham," answered his master. "Such a trifle does not trouble me." But after that time he took good care not to leave the student fasting.
Sunday came. The farmer and his wife seated themselves in the wagon to go to church, saying to Coranda, "It is your business to cook the dinner. Cut up the piece of meat you see yonder, with onions, carrots, leeks, and parsley, and boil them all together in the great pot over the kitchen fire."
"Very well," answered Coranda.
There was a little pet dog at the farm-house by the name of Parsley. Coranda killed him, skinned him, cut him up with the meat and vegetables, and put the whole to boil over the kitchen fire. When the farmer's wife returned she called her favorite; but, alas! she saw nothing but a bloody skin hanging by the window.
"What have you done?" said she to Coranda.
"What you ordered me, mistress. I have boiled the meat, onions, carrots, and leeks, and parsley in the bargain."
"Wicked wretch!" cried the farmer, "had you the heart to kill the innocent creature that was the joy of the house?"
"Are you not satisfied?" said Coranda, taking his knife from his pocket.
"I did not say that," returned the farmer. "A dead dog is nothing but a dead dog." But he sighed.
A few days after, the farmer and his wife went to market. Fearing their terrible servant, they said to him, "Stay at home and do exactly what you see others do."
"Very well," said Coranda.
There was an old shed in the yard the roof of which was falling to pieces. The carpenters came to repair it, and began, as usual, by tearing down the roof. Coranda took a ladder and mounted the roof of the house, which was quite new. Shingles, lath, nails, and tiles, he tore off everything, and scattered them all to the winds. When the farmer returned the house was open to the sky.
HE RAN TO THE TREE AND SHOOK IT WITH ALL HIS MIGHT, WHEN, BEHOLD! A YOUNG GIRL FELL FROM THE BRANCHES
"Villain!" said he, "what new trick have you played me?"
"I have obeyed you, master," answered Coranda. "You told me to do exactly what I saw others do. Are you not satisfied?" And he took out his knife.
"Satisfied!" returned the farmer; "why should I not be satisfied? A few shingles more or less will not ruin me." But he sighed.
Night came, the farmer and his wife said to each other that it was high time to get rid of this incarnate demon. As is always the case with sensible people, they never did anything without consulting their daughter, it being the custom in Bohemia to think that children always have more wit than their parents.
"Father," said Helen, "I will hide in the great pear-tree early in the morning, and call like the cuckoo. You can tell Coranda that the year is up, since the cuckoo is singing; pay him and send him away."
Early in the morning the plaintive cry of the cuckoo was heard through the fields. The farmer seemed surprised. "Well, my boy, spring is come," said he. "Do you hear the cuckoo singing yonder? I will pay you and we will part good friends."
"A cuckoo!" said Coranda; "that is a bird which I have always wanted to see."
He ran to the tree and shook it with all his might, when, behold! a young girl fell from the branches, fortunately more frightened than hurt.
"Villain!" cried the farmer.
"Are you not satisfied?" said Coranda, opening his knife.
"Wretch! you kill my daughter and you think that I ought to be satisfied! I am furious. Begone, if you would not die by my hand!"
"I will go when I have cut off your nose," said Coranda. "I have kept my word. Do you keep yours."
"Stop!" cried the farmer, putting his hand before his face. "You will surely let me redeem my nose?"
"It depends on what you offer," said Coranda.
"Will you take ten sheep for it?"
"No."
"Ten cows?"
"No; I would rather cut off your nose." And he sharpened his knife on the door-step.
"Father," said Helen, "the fault was mine; it belongs to me to repair it. Coranda, will you take my hand instead of my father's nose?"
"Yes," replied Coranda.
"I make one condition," said the young girl. "We will make the same bargain; the first one of us that is not satisfied after marriage shall have his nose cut off by the other."
"Good," replied Coranda. "I would rather it was the tongue; but that will come next."
Never was a finer wedding seen at Prague, and never was there a happier household. Coranda and the beautiful Helen were a model pair. The husband and wife were never heard to complain of each other; they loved with drawn swords, and, thanks to their ingenious bargain, kept for long years both their love and their noses.
Story DNA
Moral
Cleverness and adherence to agreements can lead to unexpected rewards, even in the face of adversity.
Plot Summary
A whimsical farmer offers his daughter's hand to any suitor who can work for a year without expressing dissatisfaction, under penalty of having their nose cut off. Many fail, but the cunning Coranda outsmarts the farmer's attempts to make him complain by literally interpreting instructions and turning the 'dissatisfaction' clause against him. When the farmer's daughter, Helen, tries to trick Coranda into leaving, he discovers her and demands the farmer's nose. Helen intervenes, offering to marry Coranda under the same 'satisfied' condition, leading to a happy and enduring marriage where neither ever complains.
Themes
Emotional Arc
tension to triumph
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Bohemia, now part of the Czech Republic, has a rich tradition of folk tales. The mention of 25,000 students in Prague suggests a historical period when universities were major centers of population and influence.
Plot Beats (14)
- A whimsical farmer near Prague offers a peculiar challenge to suitors: work for a year, and if they express dissatisfaction, he'll cut off their nose (and vice versa).
- Many students attempt the challenge, but all fail and return disfigured.
- Coranda, a cunning young man, takes on the challenge.
- The farmer's family tries to starve Coranda, but he takes a ham and bread, then uses the 'satisfied' clause to prevent the farmer from complaining.
- Coranda is told to cook meat with 'parsley' and deliberately kills the farmer's pet dog, Parsley, cooking it, again using the 'satisfied' clause to avoid the farmer's wrath.
- Coranda is told to 'do what others do' and tears down the roof of the farmer's new house, mimicking carpenters repairing an old shed, once more using the 'satisfied' clause.
- The farmer and his wife, desperate to get rid of Coranda, consult their daughter, Helen.
- Helen devises a plan to hide in a pear tree and mimic a cuckoo's call to prematurely end Coranda's contract.
- Coranda hears the 'cuckoo,' runs to the tree, and shakes it, causing Helen to fall out.
- The farmer, furious, finally expresses dissatisfaction, giving Coranda the right to cut off his nose.
- Coranda prepares to cut off the farmer's nose, refusing offers of sheep and cows as redemption.
- Helen offers her hand in marriage to Coranda as an alternative to her father losing his nose.
- Coranda accepts, on the condition that they maintain the 'satisfied' bargain in their marriage.
- Coranda and Helen marry and live happily, their unique agreement ensuring a loving and complaint-free life.
Characters
Coranda ★ protagonist
Of average height and build, perhaps a bit lanky or awkward in his movements, but with an underlying quickness and resilience. His features are not explicitly described as handsome, but rather as reflecting his sharp wit.
Attire: Simple, durable peasant or student attire typical of 19th-century Bohemia. Likely a sturdy linen or wool tunic, practical trousers, and worn leather boots, suitable for farm work.
Wants: To make his fortune and secure a better life, specifically by outwitting the farmer and winning his daughter's hand.
Flaw: His cunning can sometimes border on cruelty, as seen in his actions with the dog and the house roof, though always within the letter of the agreement.
He begins as a clever but somewhat ruthless individual focused on personal gain. Through his interactions with Helen, he finds love and a partner who matches his wit, leading to a happy and stable life, demonstrating that his cunning can be channeled for good.
Cool, adroit, cunning, resourceful, and unwavering. He is not easily flustered and possesses a dry sense of humor.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young Bohemian man standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has medium brown hair, neatly but simply styled, with intelligent, observant brown eyes and a composed, slightly mischievous expression. He wears a sturdy, dark green linen tunic, light brown practical trousers, and well-worn leather boots. He holds a small, sharp knife in his right hand, its blade glinting subtly. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Farmer ⚔ antagonist
A robust, perhaps slightly portly old man, with the weathered hands and face of someone who has worked the land for many years. He is described as rich, suggesting a comfortable but still rustic appearance.
Attire: Traditional Bohemian farmer's attire: a thick wool waistcoat over a linen shirt, sturdy dark trousers, and practical leather boots. Perhaps a simple felt hat for outdoor work.
Wants: To protect his wealth and daughter, and to amuse himself by outwitting ambitious young men, often at their expense.
Flaw: His pride and his inability to admit defeat or dissatisfaction, which Coranda exploits perfectly.
Starts as a confident trickster who enjoys humiliating others. He is systematically outwitted and humbled by Coranda, eventually forced to concede his daughter's hand and his own nose, leading to a grudging acceptance of his new son-in-law.
Whimsical, cunning, greedy, easily frustrated, but ultimately a man of his word (when forced). He enjoys setting traps for others.
Image Prompt & Upload
An elderly Bohemian farmer standing, facing forward, full body visible head to toe. He has a round, ruddy face, a short grey beard, and thinning grey hair. His eyes are shrewd and often show exasperation. He wears a thick dark green wool waistcoat over a cream linen shirt, sturdy brown trousers, and worn leather boots. His hands are large and calloused. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Farmer's Wife ◆ supporting
A sturdy, practical woman, likely of a similar build to her husband, with the robust health of a farm wife. Her features would reflect a life of hard work.
Attire: Traditional Bohemian peasant dress: a long, practical linen or wool skirt, a simple blouse, and a protective apron, perhaps with a headscarf. Colors would be muted and earthy.
Wants: To maintain order and peace in her household, and to protect her family and possessions.
Flaw: Her emotional attachment to her possessions and pets makes her vulnerable to Coranda's literal interpretations of commands.
She begins as a participant in her husband's schemes, but quickly becomes a victim of Coranda's literalism. She is consistently distressed by his actions and eventually joins her husband in fearing him, ultimately relieved by Helen's solution.
Practical, loving (especially towards her pet dog), easily distressed, and somewhat submissive to her husband's schemes, though she shares his fear of Coranda.
Image Prompt & Upload
A middle-aged Bohemian farm woman standing, facing forward, full body visible head to toe. She has a kind but worried face, with practical brown hair pulled back in a bun. She wears a long, dark blue linen skirt, a cream blouse, and a practical white apron over it, with a simple patterned headscarf. Her hands are clasped in front of her, showing concern. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Helen ◆ supporting
Described as 'beautiful,' suggesting a graceful figure and pleasing features. She is agile enough to hide in a pear tree.
Attire: As the daughter of a rich farmer, her attire would be of good quality but still practical for a rural setting. Perhaps a well-made linen dress with some simple embroidery, a fitted bodice, and a full skirt, possibly with a decorative apron or shawl.
Wants: To protect her father from losing his nose and to find a suitable partner who can match her family's wit.
Flaw: Her initial plan to trick Coranda backfires, putting her in danger.
Initially a clever participant in her father's scheme, she becomes a victim when Coranda discovers her. She then transforms into the hero of the situation, using her intelligence to save her father and secure a happy marriage with Coranda, proving herself his intellectual equal.
Intelligent, quick-witted, brave, resourceful, and decisive. She is not afraid to take charge and solve problems.
Image Prompt & Upload
A beautiful young Bohemian woman standing upright, facing forward, full body visible head to toe. She has fair skin, expressive blue eyes, and long, wavy light brown hair styled in a practical but elegant braid. She wears a well-made, fitted cream linen dress with subtle blue embroidery on the bodice and hem, and a simple, dark red apron. Her expression is intelligent and determined, with a slight, knowing smile. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
Farmer's House Kitchen
A rustic, functional kitchen in a Bohemian farmhouse, likely with a large hearth or stove for cooking. Rafters overhead are used for hanging provisions like hams. There's a cupboard for storing food.
Mood: Initially domestic and bustling, later becomes a site of Coranda's mischievous acts, leading to tension.
Coranda steals and eats the ham; he cooks the pet dog, Parsley; he sharpens his knife on the door-step.
Image Prompt & Upload
A rustic Bohemian farmhouse kitchen interior, with rough-hewn timber beams across the ceiling from which cured hams hang. A large, blackened iron pot sits over a crackling fire in a stone hearth. Sunlight streams through a small, paned window, illuminating dust motes in the air and casting warm light on a sturdy wooden table. A simple, heavy wooden cupboard stands against a whitewashed wall. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Farmyard
The open area surrounding the farmhouse, containing various outbuildings. It includes an old shed with a dilapidated roof and is where the pet dog, Parsley, would roam.
Mood: Initially ordinary and functional, later becomes a scene of destruction and the farmer's growing exasperation.
Coranda demolishes the roof of the main house, mimicking the carpenters repairing the shed.
Image Prompt & Upload
A bustling Bohemian farmyard, with a half-timbered farmhouse in the background and an old, weathered wooden shed with a collapsing thatched roof in the foreground. Carpenters are actively working on the shed, with tools and wood scattered around. The ground is a mix of packed dirt and sparse grass. The sky is bright and clear, indicating a busy workday. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Great Pear-Tree in the Fields
A prominent, large pear-tree located in the fields surrounding the farm. It's tall and sturdy enough for a person to hide within its branches.
Mood: Initially serene and deceptive, then tense and dramatic as the climax unfolds.
Helen hides in the tree to mimic a cuckoo, leading to Coranda shaking her out and the final confrontation.
Image Prompt & Upload
An ancient, gnarled pear-tree stands majestically in a vast, open field in early Bohemian spring. Its thick, twisting branches are just beginning to bud with delicate green leaves. The ground beneath is covered in dew-kissed grass, stretching towards a distant, rolling landscape. The sky is a soft, pale blue, with the first golden rays of dawn filtering through the tree's silhouette. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
