Beyond the Wall
by Katharine Pyle · from As the Goose Flies
Adapted Version
Ellen was in her room. She saw a wall. She walked right through it. On the other side was green grass. The sky was soft and nice.
Ellen saw a little house. It stood on big bird legs. She looked under it. A Big White Gander stood by the door. He was very, very big.
The door opened. A little old woman came out. She had a pointed hat. "A little girl!" she said. "How did you get here?"
"I walked through my wall," Ellen said. Then many people came out too. A boy had a pig. A maid carried oranges. A man wore a crown. They all looked at Ellen.
A lady rode out on a white horse. She had many rings. They made a pretty sound. Ellen knew this lady. She was from a song.
"They are all from songs!" Ellen said. "Are you Mother Goose?" The old woman smiled. "Yes, I am," she said. "We all live here. We are all real."
"Are stories real too?" Ellen asked. "Yes," said Mother Goose. "Stories are alive. Just like us."
"My grandmother had a story," Ellen said. "But she forgot it. Can I find it?"
Mother Goose thought hard. "Forgotten stories go far away," she said. "They go to a big house. People make them into new stories there."
"Can I go there?" Ellen asked. "I want to find it." The house was far. It was past the forest. But Ellen was brave.
"I can help," said Mother Goose. "You can ride my Big White Gander. He flies fast. He flies smooth."
"Can you do one thing for me?" Mother Goose asked. "I lost a song. Can you look for it there? It is about a boy. And the wind." Ellen smiled. "Yes, I can try," she said.
Little Boy Blue helped Ellen get on. The Big White Gander was soft and warm. He opened his big wings. Up, up he went. He flew into the sky. Ellen held on tight. She was not scared. Below her was the green grass. Far away was the dark forest. Ellen flew and flew. Her adventure began.
Original Story
Beyond the Wall
It was not raining at all beyond the wall. Overhead was a soft, mild sky, neither sunny nor cloudy. Before her stretched a grassy green meadow, and far away in the distance was a dark line of forest.
Just at the foot of the meadow was a little house. It was such a curious little house that Ellen went nearer to look at it. It was not set solidly upon the ground, but stood upon four fowls' legs, so that you could look clear under it; and the roof was covered with shining feathers that overlapped like feathers upon the back of a duck. Beside the door, hitched to a post by a bridle just as a horse might be, was an enormous white gander.
While Ellen stood staring with all her eyes at the house and the gander, the door opened, and a little old woman, in buckled shoes, with a white apron over her frock and a pointed hat on her head, stepped out, as if to look about her and enjoy the pleasant air.
Presently she shaded her eyes with her hand and looked up at the sky; then she looked at the meadows, and last her eyes fell upon the little girl who stood there staring at her. The old woman gazed and gazed.
"Well, I declare," she cried, "if it isn't a little girl! What are you doing here, child?"
"I'm just looking at your house."
"But how did you happen to come here?"
"I came through the nursery wall. I didn't know it was soft before."
A number of queer-looking little people had come out from the house while Ellen and the old woman were talking, and they gathered about in a crowd and stared so hard and were so odd-looking that Ellen began to feel somewhat shy. They kept coming out and coming out until she wondered how the house could have held them all.
There was a little boy with a pig in his arms, and now and then the pig squealed shrilly. There was a maid with a cap and apron, and her sleeves were so full of round, heavy things that the seams looked ready to burst. A pocket that hung at her side was full, too, and bumped against her as she walked. She came quite close to Ellen, and the child could tell by the smell that the things in her sleeves and pocket were oranges. There was one who Ellen knew must be a king by the crown on his head; he was a jolly-looking fellow, and had a pipe in one hand and a bowl in the other.
There were big people and little people, young people and old; and a dish and spoon came walking out with the rest. But what seemed almost the strangest of all to Ellen was to see an old lady come riding out through the door of the house on a white horse.
"I wonder where she keeps it," thought the little girl to herself. "I shouldn't think it would be very pleasant to have a horse in the house with you."
The old lady's hands were loaded with rings, and as the horse moved there was a jingling as of bells. The words of a nursery rhyme rang through Ellen's head in time to the jingling:—
"Rings on her fingers
And bells on her toes,
She shall have music
Wherever she goes."
"Why," she cried, "it's the old lady of Banbury Cross. And"—she looked around at the crowd—"why, I do believe they're all out of Mother Goose rhymes."
"Of course they are," said the little old woman with the pointed hat. "What did you suppose would live in Mother Goose's house?"
"And are you Mother Goose?" asked Ellen.
"Yes, I am. Don't you think I look like the pictures?"
"But—but—I didn't know you were alive. I thought you were only a rhyme."
"Only a rhyme! Well, I should think not. How do you suppose there could be rhymes unless there was something to make them about?"
"And all the rest, too," said Ellen dreamily, looking about her. "'Tom, Tom, the piper's son,' and 'Dingty, Diddlety, my mammy's maid,' and 'Old King Cole'—why, they're all alive. How queer it seems! I wonder if the stories are alive, too."
"Yes, just as alive as we are."
"And the story grandmother forgot—oh, do you suppose I could find that story?"
"The story she forgot!" answered Mother Goose thoughtfully. "What was it about?"
"Why, that's it; I don't know. Nobody knows only just grandmother, and she's forgotten."
Mother Goose shook her head. "If every one's forgotten it, I'm afraid it must be at the house of the Queerbodies. That's where they send all the forgotten stories; then they make them over into new ones."
"Couldn't I go there to find it?"
"I don't know. I've never been there myself. Of course, they wouldn't let me in. But you're a real child. Maybe you could get in. Only, how would you get there? It's a long, long journey, through the forest and over hills and streams."
"I don't know," said Ellen. "I've never journeyed very far; only just to Aunt Josephine's."
Mother Goose knitted her brows and began to think hard. Suddenly her face brightened. "I'll tell you what I'll do. I'll lend you my gander; and he'll carry you there in short order, however far it is."
"Oh, thank you, but I don't believe I could ride him! I'd fall off, I'm sure."
"No, you wouldn't. He goes as smoothly as a dream goose, and almost as fast. Yes, I'll lend him to you. But there's one thing I'd like you to do for me in return when you reach the house of the Queerbodies."
"What is that?"
"I'd like you to ask about a rhyme I used to have. I think they must have it there, for I've lost it; and if it hasn't been made over yet, perhaps you could manage to get it for me."
"What's its name?" asked Ellen.
"Well, it hasn't any name, but it looks like this:—
"Johnnykin learned to ride the wind,
But he wouldn't let any one on behind.
But the wind ran away
With Johnny one day,
And that wasn't such fun I have heard him say."
Ellen promised to do what she could about it, and then Mother Goose sent Little Boy Blue to unhitch the gander and bring him to them. Ellen felt rather nervous about mounting him, but Mother Goose told her how to do it.
Then the white gander spread his wings. The wind rustled through them like the sound made by the leaves of a book when they are turned. Up, up rose the gander as smoothly as a bubble rises through the air and then away he flew toward the dark line of forest that Ellen saw in the distance.
Story DNA
Plot Summary
Ellen unexpectedly passes through her nursery wall into a whimsical land where she discovers a house on fowl's legs. She meets Mother Goose and realizes that all the inhabitants are living characters from nursery rhymes. Learning that stories are also alive, Ellen expresses a desire to find a story her grandmother forgot, which Mother Goose explains are sent to the 'House of the Queerbodies' to be remade. Mother Goose lends Ellen her magical gander to travel there, asking her to also look for a lost rhyme in return, and Ellen embarks on her quest, flying towards a distant forest.
Themes
Emotional Arc
curiosity to wonder to determined adventure
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Mother Goose rhymes have been a staple of English-speaking children's literature for centuries, often originating from folk tales, riddles, and songs.
Plot Beats (13)
- Ellen passes through her nursery wall into a strange, pleasant meadow.
- She discovers a house on fowl's legs and an enormous white gander.
- An old woman emerges from the house and questions Ellen's presence.
- Other peculiar characters, including a boy with a pig, a maid with oranges, and a king, emerge from the house.
- An old lady on a white horse rides out, reminding Ellen of a nursery rhyme.
- Ellen realizes all the characters are from Mother Goose rhymes, and the old woman confirms she is Mother Goose.
- Ellen learns that stories are alive, just like the characters.
- She asks Mother Goose about a story her grandmother forgot.
- Mother Goose explains forgotten stories go to the house of the Queerbodies to be remade.
- Ellen expresses a desire to find the forgotten story, despite the long journey.
- Mother Goose offers to lend Ellen her gander for the journey.
- Mother Goose asks Ellen to look for a lost rhyme of her own at the Queerbodies' house.
- Ellen agrees, mounts the gander, and flies off towards the distant forest.
Characters
Ellen ★ protagonist
A young girl, likely of slender build, with an inquisitive and somewhat shy demeanor. Her exact height and build are not specified, but she is small enough to be considered 'a little girl' by Mother Goose.
Attire: Unspecified, but implied to be typical nursery attire for a child of the early 20th century, likely a simple dress or frock, suitable for playing indoors.
Wants: To find the forgotten story her grandmother used to tell, driven by a child's natural curiosity and a desire to recover something lost.
Flaw: Naivety and timidity. She is easily made shy and nervous by unfamiliar situations and creatures.
Begins as a curious child who stumbles into a magical world, and by the end, she embarks on a quest, showing a nascent sense of adventure and responsibility.
Curious, observant, imaginative, polite, and a little timid. She is eager to explore and learn, but also easily overwhelmed by strange sights.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young girl standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has a curious and slightly shy expression, with wide, innocent eyes. Her hair is a medium brown, styled in a simple bob. She wears a plain, light blue linen dress with short sleeves and a white Peter Pan collar, and simple brown leather Mary Jane shoes. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Mother Goose ◆ supporting
A little old woman, small in stature, with an air of wisdom and a kindly but firm presence. Her exact build is not specified, but she is described as 'little old woman'.
Attire: Traditional, old-fashioned attire: buckled shoes, a white apron over her frock, and a distinctive pointed hat. The frock is likely a simple, dark-colored dress made of sturdy fabric, typical of a folk character.
Wants: To maintain the world of nursery rhymes and stories, and to recover her own lost rhyme. She also seems to enjoy helping those who genuinely seek knowledge or lost things.
Flaw: She cannot enter the house of the Queerbodies herself, indicating a limitation to her magical abilities or domain.
Remains largely unchanged, serving as a wise mentor figure. Her primary arc is initiating Ellen's quest and entrusting her with a task.
Wise, helpful, thoughtful, a bit stern but ultimately benevolent, and practical. She is the keeper of rhymes and stories.
Image Prompt & Upload
An elderly woman standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has a kindly, wrinkled face with sharp, intelligent blue eyes. Her white hair is pulled back under a tall, dark blue pointed hat. She wears a long, dark grey linen frock, a crisp white apron tied over it, and black buckled shoes. She holds her hands clasped in front of her. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Enormous White Gander ◆ supporting
An enormous white gander, much larger than a typical gander, capable of being ridden like a horse. Its feathers are shining and overlap like a duck's back. It has powerful wings for flight.
Attire: None, as it is an animal, but it wears a bridle like a horse.
Wants: To serve Mother Goose and transport Ellen to her destination.
Flaw: None explicitly stated, but it is bound by Mother Goose's commands.
Remains unchanged, serving as a magical mode of transport.
Loyal, obedient, and powerful. It serves Mother Goose and carries Ellen without complaint.
Image Prompt & Upload
A majestic, enormous white gander standing upright, facing forward, full body visible head to toe. Its feathers are pristine white and slightly iridescent. It has a long, elegant neck and a bright orange beak. A simple brown leather bridle is fitted around its head. Its large, powerful wings are slightly spread, ready for flight. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Old Lady of Banbury Cross ○ minor
An old lady, distinguished by her numerous rings and the jingling sound she makes. She rides a white horse.
Attire: Unspecified, but implied to be rich and adorned, given the rings. She would wear clothing appropriate for a lady of some standing, perhaps a long riding habit or a formal dress, with many rings on her fingers.
Wants: To exist and embody her rhyme, bringing music wherever she goes.
Flaw: None apparent in the story.
Remains unchanged, a static representation of her rhyme.
Jovial and perhaps a bit ostentatious, given her adornments. She is a living embodiment of her rhyme.
Image Prompt & Upload
An elderly woman riding a white horse, facing forward, full body visible head to toe. She has a pleasant, round face with rosy cheeks and kind eyes. Her grey hair is styled neatly under a small, decorative bonnet. She wears a long, dark green riding habit with a high collar and white lace cuffs. Her fingers are adorned with numerous sparkling rings. The white horse is well-groomed with a flowing mane and tail. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Old King Cole ○ minor
A jolly-looking fellow, identifiable by his crown.
Attire: A crown on his head, implying royal attire, likely a richly colored robe or tunic, perhaps with fur trim, consistent with a king from a nursery rhyme.
Wants: To exist and embody his rhyme.
Flaw: None apparent in the story.
Remains unchanged, a static representation of his rhyme.
Jolly and content, as per his rhyme.
Image Prompt & Upload
A jolly-looking man standing upright, facing forward, full body visible head to toe. He has a round, cheerful face with a neatly trimmed white beard and mustache, and sparkling blue eyes. He wears a golden crown adorned with red jewels. His attire is a rich crimson velvet robe with white fur trim, and a golden sash. He holds a wooden pipe in one hand and a small, ornate golden bowl in the other. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Dingty, Diddlety, my mammy's maid ○ minor
A maid with a cap and apron. Her sleeves and a pocket are so full of round, heavy things (oranges) that the seams look ready to burst.
Attire: A maid's uniform: a cap, an apron, and a frock. Her sleeves are notably full, and she has a pocket hanging at her side, both bulging with oranges. The frock would be a simple, practical garment, likely made of linen or cotton.
Wants: To exist and embody her rhyme, carrying her oranges.
Flaw: None apparent in the story.
Remains unchanged, a static representation of her rhyme.
Diligent and industrious, carrying out her duties, even if it means being heavily laden.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young adult woman standing upright, facing forward, full body visible head to toe. She has a kind, slightly flushed face with soft brown eyes. Her light brown hair is neatly tucked under a white lace cap. She wears a simple, long-sleeved blue linen dress with a crisp white apron tied over it. Her sleeves are visibly bulging with round, orange-colored objects, and a large, full pocket hangs from her side, also bulging. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Little Boy Blue ○ minor
A little boy, likely of a size consistent with his rhyme, implying a young child.
Attire: Unspecified, but his name suggests blue attire, likely a simple tunic or smock, consistent with a shepherd boy from a nursery rhyme.
Wants: To serve Mother Goose and assist with tasks.
Flaw: None apparent in the story.
Remains unchanged, a static representation of his rhyme.
Obedient and helpful, following Mother Goose's instructions.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young boy standing upright, facing forward, full body visible head to toe. He has a round, innocent face with bright blue eyes and short, messy blonde hair. He wears a simple, knee-length tunic of sky-blue linen, cinched at the waist with a brown cord, and bare feet. He has a slightly curious and helpful expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
Beyond the Wall Meadow
A vast, grassy green meadow stretching far into the distance, with a soft, mild sky overhead that is neither sunny nor cloudy. A dark line of forest is visible far away.
Mood: serene, wondrous, slightly mysterious
Ellen first arrives in this magical realm and encounters Mother Goose's house.
Image Prompt & Upload
A wide, verdant green meadow stretches under a soft, overcast sky, its gentle undulations leading to a distant, dark line of dense forest. The grass is lush and unbroken, with no visible path or disturbance, suggesting an untouched, serene landscape. The light is diffused and even, casting no harsh shadows, giving the scene a gentle, ethereal glow. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Mother Goose's House
A curious little house not set on the ground, but standing on four fowls' legs, allowing one to see clear underneath. Its roof is covered with shining feathers that overlap like a duck's back. An enormous white gander is hitched to a post beside the door.
Mood: whimsical, enchanting, lively
Ellen meets Mother Goose and various nursery rhyme characters, and is given the gander for her journey.
Image Prompt & Upload
A fantastical, small cottage stands precariously on four large, scaly chicken legs, elevated above a short, green grassy patch. The roof is intricately shingled with iridescent, overlapping white and grey feathers, catching the soft, diffused daylight. The walls are made of smooth, light-colored timber planks, and a simple wooden door is visible. Beside the door, a massive, majestic white gander with bright eyes is tethered to a rough-hewn wooden post. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
