A VISITOR from PARADISE

by Joseph Jacobs · from Europa's Fairy Book

folk tale trickster tale humorous Ages 5-10 919 words 4 min read
Cover: A VISITOR from PARADISE

Adapted Version

CEFR A1 Age 5 398 words 2 min Canon 100/100

Once there was a kind woman. She did not hear well. A tired man came to her door. He asked for water. The Woman gave him water. "Where are you from?" she asked. "From Paris," said the Clever Man. The Woman heard "Paradise."

The Woman had a husband. His name was John. John went to Paradise. "Did you know John?" she asked. "Does John need anything?" she asked. She wanted to help John.

The Clever Man smiled. "Yes," he said. "John needs new clothes. He needs many things. He is very shabby." The Woman felt sad.

The Woman went inside. She got many clothes. She gave them to the Clever Man. "Take these to John," she said. "He needs them." She gave him Dobbin. "Take Dobbin too," she said.

Soon, The Farmer came home. "Where is Dobbin?" he asked. The Woman told him everything. "Oh no!" said The Farmer. "This is not good." He took Juniper. He rode fast to find the Clever Man.

The Clever Man saw The Farmer coming. He quickly hid Dobbin the Horse. He lay on the ground. He looked at the sky. The Farmer came near. "What are you doing?" he asked. "Look!" said the Clever Man. "Dobbin went up, up, up!" The Farmer believed.

Dobbin the Horse did not come back. The Farmer and The Woman waited. They knew they were tricked. "Oh dear!" they said.

They wanted to find the Clever Man. "We must go," said The Farmer. "But bad men will come." He took their big house door. "Bad men cannot get in!" he said. They carried the door.

Night came. They found a big tree. They climbed the tree. They put the door in the tree. They slept on the door.

Some Bad Men came. They sat under the tree. They had much treasure. They talked loudly. The Farmer and The Woman woke up. They were very scared.

The Farmer and The Woman were scared. They tried to hide. They moved on the door. The big door fell down. It fell on the Bad Men!

The Bad Men were very scared. "The sky is falling!" they shouted. They ran away fast. They ran very, very fast. They left all their treasure there.

The Farmer and The Woman took the treasure. They went home. They were very happy. They were very rich! Sometimes, even silly things can bring good luck!

Original Story 919 words · 4 min read

A VISITOR FROM PARADISE

There was once a woman, good but simple, who had been twice married. One day when her husband was in the field—of course that was her second husband, you know—a weary tramp came trudging by her door and asked for a drink of water. When she gave it to him, being rather a gossip, she asked where he came from.

"From Paris," said the man.

The woman was a little bit deaf, and thought the man said from Paradise.

"From Paradise! Did you meet there my poor dear husband, Lord rest his soul?"

"What was his name?" asked the man.

"Why, John Goody, of course," said the woman. "Did you know him in Paradise?"

"What, John Goody!" said the man. "Him and me was as thick as thieves."

"Does he want for anything?" said the woman. "I suppose up in Paradise you get all you want."

"All we want! Why, look at me," said the man pointing to his rags and tatters. "They treat some of us right shabby up there."

"Dear me, that's bad. Are you likely to go back?"

"Go back to Paradise, marm; I should say! We have to be in every night at ten."

"Well, perhaps you wouldn't mind taking back some things for my poor old John," said the woman.

"In course, marm, delighted to help my old chum John."

So the woman went indoors and got a big pile of clothes and a long pipe and three bottles of beer, and a beer jug, and gave them to the man.

"But," he said, "please marm, I can't carry all these by my own self. Ain't you got a horse or a donkey that I can take along with me to carry them? I'll bring them back to-morrow."

Then the woman said, "There's our old Dobbin in the stable; I can't lend you mare Juniper cos my husband's ploughing with her just now."

"Ah, well, Dobbin'll do as its only till to-morrow."

So the woman got out Dobbin and saddled him, and the man took the clothes and the beer and the pipe and rode off with them.

Shortly afterwards her husband came home and said,

"What's become of Dobbin? He's not in the stable."

So his wife told him all that had happened. And he said,

"I don't like that. How do we know that he is going to Paradise? And how do we know that he'll bring Dobbin back to-morrow? I'll saddle Juniper and get the things back. Which way did he go?"

So he saddled Juniper and rode after the man, who saw him coming afar off and guessed what had happened. So he got off from Dobbin and drove him into a clump of trees near the roadside, and then went and laid down on his back and looked up to the sky.

When the farmer came up to him he got down from Juniper and said, "What are you doing there?"

"Oh, such a funny thing," said the man; "a fellow came along here on a horse with some clothes and things, and when he got to the top of the hill here he simply gave a shout and the horse went right up into the sky; and I was watching him when you came up."

"Oh, it's all right then," said the farmer. "He's gone to Paradise, sure enough," and went back to his wife.

Next day they waited, and they waited for the man to bring back Dobbin; but he didn't come that day nor the next day, nor the next. So the farmer said to his wife,

"My dear, we've been done. But I'll find that man if I have to trudge through the whole kingdom. And you must come with me, as you know him."

"But what shall we do with the house?" said the wife. "You know there have been robbers around here, and while we are away they'll come and take my best chiny."

"Oh, that's all right," said the farmer. "He who minds the door minds the house. So we'll take the door with us and then they can't get in."

So he took the door off its hinges and put it on his back and they went along to find the man from Paradise. So they went along, and they went along, and they went along till night came, and they didn't know what to do for shelter. So the man said,

"That's a comfortable tree there; let us roost in the branches like the birds." So they took the door up with them and laid down to sleep on it as comfortable, as comfortable can be.

Now it happened that a band of robbers had just broken into a castle near by and taken out a great lot of plunder; and they came under the very tree to divide it. And when they began to settle how much each should have they began to quarrel and woke up the farmer and his wife. They were so frightened when they heard the robbers underneath them that they tried to get up farther into the tree, and in doing so let the door fall down right on the robbers' heads.

"The heavens are falling," cried the robbers, who were so frightened that they all rushed away. And the farmer and his wife came down from the tree and collected all the booty and went home and lived happy ever afterwards.

It was and it was not.



Story DNA folk tale · humorous

Moral

Sometimes, even the most foolish actions can lead to unexpected good fortune.

Plot Summary

A simple, slightly deaf woman mistakes a tramp's mention of 'Paris' for 'Paradise' and, believing he knew her deceased first husband, gives him clothes, beer, and her horse Dobbin to take to him. Her husband, realizing the trick, chases the tramp but is also fooled into believing Dobbin ascended to the sky. Later, the couple, deciding to search for the tramp, absurdly take their house door with them for protection. While sleeping in a tree with the door, they accidentally drop it on a band of robbers below, scaring them away and allowing the couple to claim their treasure, thus living happily ever after.

Themes

gullibilityclevernessfortunenaivety

Emotional Arc

naivety to fear to triumph

Writing Style

Voice: third person omniscient
Pacing: brisk
Descriptive: sparse
Techniques: direct address to reader, repetition

Narrative Elements

Conflict: person vs person
Ending: happy
Magic: implied ascent to Paradise (though it's a trick)
the door (symbol of protection, but also absurdity)Dobbin (symbol of loss and eventual gain)

Cultural Context

Origin: English
Era: pre-industrial

This tale reflects a common motif of the 'simpleton' or 'foolish couple' who, through sheer luck or accidental action, stumble into good fortune, often at the expense of more cunning but ultimately unlucky villains.

Plot Beats (13)

  1. A simple, slightly deaf woman encounters a tramp who claims to be from 'Paris', but she mishears it as 'Paradise'.
  2. Believing the tramp knew her deceased first husband, John Goody, in Paradise, she asks if he needs anything.
  3. The tramp, playing along, claims John Goody is 'shabby' and needs things.
  4. The woman gives the tramp a large pile of clothes, beer, a pipe, and her horse Dobbin to take to John in Paradise.
  5. Her second husband returns, learns what happened, and, suspecting a trick, rides his horse Juniper to catch the tramp.
  6. The tramp, seeing the husband approach, hides Dobbin and pretends to be watching Dobbin ascend to the sky, convincing the husband the horse went to Paradise.
  7. The farmer and his wife realize they've been swindled when Dobbin doesn't return.
  8. To find the tramp, they decide to travel, taking their house door with them to prevent robbers from entering their home.
  9. They spend the night sleeping in a tree, using the door as a makeshift bed.
  10. A band of robbers gathers under their tree to divide their loot, waking the couple.
  11. In their fright, the couple accidentally drops the door on the robbers' heads.
  12. The robbers, believing the 'heavens are falling', flee in terror, leaving their treasure behind.
  13. The farmer and his wife collect the treasure and return home, living happily ever after.

Characters 6 characters

The Woman ★ protagonist

human adult female

Of average height and build for a rural woman of her time, likely with hands calloused from farm work. Her features are kind but perhaps a bit soft, reflecting her simple nature.

Attire: Simple, practical peasant clothing typical of 19th-century rural England: a long, plain linen or wool dress in muted colors (e.g., brown, grey, cream), covered by a sturdy apron. She might wear a simple cap or headscarf to keep her hair tidy.

Wants: To honor the memory of her deceased first husband, John Goody, and to ensure his comfort in the afterlife. Later, to protect her home and possessions.

Flaw: Extreme gullibility and a lack of critical thinking, making her easily deceived.

She begins as a naive and easily tricked woman, but through the misadventure, she and her husband inadvertently become wealthy, suggesting a shift from simple poverty to unexpected prosperity.

Her slightly confused but earnest expression, perhaps with a hand cupped to her ear.

Good-hearted, simple-minded, gullible, gossipy, trusting.

Image Prompt & Upload
An adult rural woman standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has a round, kind face with a slightly confused expression, light brown hair pulled back under a simple cream linen cap. She wears a long, plain grey wool dress, a sturdy dark blue linen apron tied at the waist, and practical brown leather shoes. Her hands are clasped gently in front of her. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.

The Tramp ⚔ antagonist

human adult male

Lean and wiry from a life of wandering, of average height. His face is weathered and tanned from exposure, with a shrewd glint in his eyes. He carries himself with a deceptive air of weariness.

Attire: A collection of well-worn, patched, and faded clothes: a tattered brown wool coat, a stained linen shirt, patched trousers of indeterminate color, and worn-out leather boots. His clothing is clearly indicative of poverty and a life on the road.

Wants: To acquire goods and resources through trickery and deception, to survive by exploiting the kindness of others.

Flaw: His reliance on deceit means he must constantly be on the move to avoid being caught.

He successfully deceives the Woman and the Farmer, escaping with their possessions and remaining unpunished, highlighting the theme of the trickster figure.

His tattered, patched clothing and a sly, knowing smirk.

Cunning, deceptive, opportunistic, quick-witted, persuasive.

Image Prompt & Upload
A lean adult male tramp standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a weathered, sun-baked face with sharp, observant dark eyes and a scruffy brown beard. His dark hair is unkempt. He wears a tattered, faded brown wool coat, a stained cream linen shirt, patched grey trousers, and worn-out brown leather boots. He carries a rough wooden staff. He has a sly, knowing smirk on his face. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.

The Farmer ★ protagonist

human adult male

A sturdy, broad-shouldered man, built for hard labor. His hands are strong and calloused, and his face is tanned and lined from working outdoors. He is of average height.

Attire: Typical working farmer's attire of 19th-century rural England: a sturdy linen or wool shirt (perhaps blue or white), practical wool trousers, a heavy waistcoat, and strong leather boots. He might wear a simple cap.

Wants: To recover his stolen horse and possessions, to protect his home, and ultimately, to provide for his wife.

Flaw: Despite his initial skepticism, he is ultimately susceptible to a clever lie, especially when it confirms a belief (like the horse going to Paradise).

He starts as a practical man who is tricked, then becomes a determined pursuer, and finally, through an absurd act (carrying the door), he and his wife stumble into fortune, learning that sometimes the most unlikely actions lead to success.

His broad, sturdy frame carrying a wooden door on his back.

Practical, determined, initially skeptical, later gullible, resourceful, protective.

Image Prompt & Upload
A sturdy adult male farmer standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a tanned, practical face with direct blue eyes and short, dark brown hair. He wears a sturdy blue linen shirt, a dark brown wool waistcoat, practical grey wool trousers, and heavy brown leather boots. He carries a large, heavy wooden farm door on his back. He has a determined expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.

Dobbin ○ minor

horse adult non-human

A sturdy, older farm horse, likely a draft breed, with a solid build. His coat is probably a common color for farm horses, such as bay or brown, with a white blaze or socks. He shows signs of age and years of work.

Attire: A simple leather saddle and bridle, suitable for farm work and riding.

Wants: To follow the commands of whoever is leading him.

Flaw: Cannot communicate or resist being led astray.

He is stolen by the Tramp and never returned, serving as the initial catalyst for the Farmer's pursuit.

A sturdy, older farm horse with a simple saddle, being led away by a suspicious figure.

Docile, reliable, unwitting participant in the deception.

Image Prompt & Upload
A sturdy, older bay farm horse standing, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. It has a white blaze on its forehead and dark brown mane and tail. It wears a simple brown leather saddle and bridle. Its expression is calm and gentle. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.

Juniper ○ minor

horse adult non-human

A strong, active mare, likely younger and more spirited than Dobbin, used for plowing. Her coat might be a darker, richer color, like a dark chestnut or black.

Attire: A sturdy leather saddle and bridle, suitable for farm work and riding.

Wants: To follow the commands of her rider.

Flaw: Cannot communicate or resist being ridden.

She is used by the Farmer to pursue the Tramp, but ultimately does not lead to the recovery of Dobbin or the other items.

A strong mare being ridden quickly by a determined farmer.

Spirited, strong, reliable.

Image Prompt & Upload
A strong, dark chestnut mare standing, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. It has alert dark eyes and a flowing dark mane and tail. It wears a sturdy brown leather saddle and bridle. Its expression is alert and spirited. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.

The Robbers ○ minor

human adult male

A group of rough-looking men, likely of varying heights and builds, but all appearing hardened and disheveled from their criminal activities. They would have strong, capable hands.

Attire: Dark, practical, and somewhat worn clothing suitable for stealth and travel, such as dark wool cloaks, rough tunics, trousers, and sturdy boots. They might have scarves or masks to conceal their identities.

Wants: To acquire wealth through theft.

Flaw: Their greed leads to infighting, and their superstition makes them easily scared away.

They serve as a plot device to provide the Farmer and his Wife with unexpected wealth, being scared away by the falling door.

A group of shadowy figures huddled under a tree, arguing over loot, then scattering in terror.

Greedy, quarrelsome, easily frightened (superstitious), opportunistic.

Image Prompt & Upload
A group of three adult male robbers, dressed in dark, worn wool cloaks and rough tunics, with their faces partially obscured by shadows and stubble. They are huddled under a large oak tree at night, arguing over sacks of gold coins and jewels. One holds a short knife, another a wooden club. Their expressions are greedy and suspicious. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, multiple figures, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations 3 locations
No image yet

The Goody's Farmhouse and Yard

transitional morning | afternoon Mild, pleasant weather implied for outdoor work and travel.

A simple, rustic English farmhouse with a stable nearby, likely surrounded by fields. The yard is where the initial interaction with the tramp occurs.

Mood: Initially mundane and domestic, then shifts to naive and trusting.

The woman's initial encounter with the tramp, leading to the misunderstanding about 'Paradise' and the giving away of goods and Dobbin.

farmhouse door stable Dobbin the horse Juniper the mare field
Image Prompt & Upload
A weathered, half-timbered English farmhouse with a thatched roof, its front door slightly ajar. A small, unpaved yard in front shows signs of daily farm life, with a well-trodden path leading to a rustic wooden stable. Beyond the stable, a green field stretches under a soft, overcast sky. Gentle afternoon light illuminates the scene. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
No image yet

Roadside Clump of Trees

outdoor afternoon Clear, mild weather.

A specific cluster of trees by the side of a road, providing enough cover to hide a horse. The road itself is a rural path.

Mood: Deceptive, strategic, a place of trickery.

The tramp hides Dobbin and then deceives the farmer by claiming the horse ascended to 'Paradise'.

clump of trees rural road Dobbin the horse Juniper the mare
Image Prompt & Upload
A dusty, winding rural track cuts through a gently rolling English countryside. To one side, a dense, ancient clump of oak trees with thick, gnarled branches provides deep shadow. The ground beneath the trees is covered in dry leaves and sparse grass. Late afternoon sunlight casts long shadows across the road. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
No image yet

Large Tree by the Robbers' Path

outdoor night Cool, clear night.

A tall, comfortable tree with sturdy branches, large enough for two people to 'roost' in. It is located along a path used by robbers, near a castle.

Mood: Initially a place of desperate shelter, then becomes a scene of accidental triumph and fear.

The farmer and his wife take shelter in the tree, accidentally dropping their door on a band of quarreling robbers, leading to their unexpected fortune.

thick tree branches tree trunk the farmhouse door robbers' path stolen plunder
Image Prompt & Upload
A massive, ancient English oak tree stands majestically under a moonlit, star-dusted sky. Its thick, horizontal branches form natural platforms high above the ground. The rough bark of the trunk is textured and dark. Below, a faint, overgrown path winds through sparse undergrowth. Cool, silvery moonlight filters through the leaves, creating dappled shadows. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.