Kötelesség
by Ferenc Herczeg · from Mesék
Adapted Version
Andorka had a little yellow bird. The bird's name was Pepkó.
Andorka was in his bed one night. His Mama kissed his head. Mama and Papa were nearby. Andorka felt warm and safe.
Grandpa gave Andorka Pepkó. This was for Christmas. Grandpa said, "Take care of him." He said, "Give him food daily." He said, "Give him water daily." "Every day, Andorka. Every day."
Andorka gave Pepkó food. He gave Pepkó water. Andorka loved his bird. Pepkó sang a pretty song. Pepkó sang a happy song. Andorka felt happy. Andorka smiled. Pepkó sang every day.
Then Andorka played outside. He played with his toys. He played for hours. He had much fun. He forgot his bird. Pepkó was alone. He did not give Pepkó food. He did not give Pepkó water.
Andorka lay in his bed. He thought about Pepkó. "Did I feed him today?" He felt worried. He closed his eyes. He heard a soft song. Pepkó sang a sad song. It was very quiet. Andorka felt a new worry.
Andorka got out of bed. He walked to Pepkó's cage. The room was dark. Pepkó was very quiet. He was not singing now. Pepkó looked very sick. His food bowl was empty. His water was all gone. Andorka felt very sad.
Andorka started to cry. He called for Mama. He called for Papa. Mama and Papa came quickly. "Pepkó is sick!" Andorka cried. "I did not care for him!" Andorka felt very sorry.
Mama and Papa helped Andorka. They gave Pepkó food. They gave Pepkó water. Pepkó slowly got better. Soon, Pepkó sang again. Andorka was very happy. He never forgot again. Every day, he gave Pepkó food. Every day, he gave Pepkó water. Every day, Pepkó sang a happy song.
Original Story
Kötelesség
Szilveszter estéje volt.
Tíz órakor lefektették Andorkát. Mikor már ágyában volt, odasuhogott hozzá az édesanyja és megcsókolta a szemét meg a homlokát. A szülők elmennek nagyapóékhoz, mint minden esztendőben, Andorka pedig nagyot alszik.
Amint egyedül tudta magát a sötét és néma házban, öreges rendszeretetével simára paskolta a vánkosát, nyakába húzta a meleg paplant és nagyhirtelen beleszédült az álom lágy és sötét vermébe.
Egyszerre fölriadt álmából. Olyan éber volt, mintha sohasem aludt volna. A szívében egy rémült kérdés kalapált: Mi van kis Pepkóval?
Pepkó a kanári madara. Karácsonykor kapta nagyapótól.
– Magad fogod etetni, magad fogod itatni, – mondta nagyapó. – A gyönyörűség a tiéd, legyen a tiéd a kötelesség is.
Ez a furcsa, száraz szó: kötelesség, melyet olyan kenetteljes arccal ejtettek ki az öregek, büszkévé tette Andorkát.
Az első napokban persze gyöngydolga volt Pepkónak. Bőven tartották minden földi jóval. Kis gazdája órákon át ott üldögélt drótháza előtt és hallgatta üdén gyöngyöző énekét. Valami titokzatos, boldog izgalom remegtette meg a parányi kis állatot, ha elcsattogta a maga mondókáját. Meglátszott rajta, hogy megmámorosodik a tulajdon hangjától. A trillái tündöklő tavaszi verőfényre, karcsu fákról hulló virágesőre, acélkék égen vitorlázó aranyfelhőkre emlékeztették Andorkát. Az első napokban gyöngydolga volt Pepkónak.
Aztán, no igen, aztán befagyott a tó és hullott a hó. A gyerekek szánkóztak és hóvárakat építettek. Mikor is kapta Pepkó az utolsó kendermagot? Tegnap! Dehogy, – tegnap csak akart neki adni, de nem adott, mert korcsolyázni mentek… Ma is akart neki adni, de aztán közbejött valami… Este megint gondolt rá, de –
A fiu ott feküdt ágyában és nyitott szemmel bámult a sötétségbe. Kötelesség, kötelesség… Egypárszor ismételgette magában ezt a szót, közbe valami furcsa penészízt érzett a szájában. Fölkeljen? Megetesse most? A madár a folyosón van s ott hideg kövekkel van kirakva a padló. Éjjel pedig nem is eszik.
Tehetetlenül és szégyenkezve feküdt a meleg takaró alatt. És ravaszul vigasztalgatta magát: Én egy kis fiu vagyok, egy ostoba kis fiu, én nem is tudom, hogy mi a kötelesség. Talán egy kötőfék, melyet kenderkötélből fontak.
Úgy érezte, hogy kihúzta fejét a kötőfékből és furfangos mosollyal az arcán elszunnyadt.
Az óra ütött. Érces hangja hosszan zümmögött a homályban. Andorka hirtelen fölpattant ágyában. No most történni fog valami! Valami rettenetes! A kötél ott van a nyakán és szorítja, szorítja…
Történt is valami. Hosszu, gyöngyöző madárcsicsergés fúródott bele a homályba. Oly kimondhatatlanul édes és szomoru trilla volt, hogy a fiúnak összefacsarodott a szíve. A kanári énekel, sötét éjjel. Pepkó szólítja a gazdáját.
Megint nehéz, fekete csend borult a lakásra. A fiu kidugta egyik lábát a paplan alól. A másikat is. Gépiesen fölkelt és kitipegett a hálószobából. Végigment a nagy szobán. Érezte meztelen talpa alatt a folyosó jéghideg kőlapjait. Megállott és a sarok felé fordult. Ott kell lennie, ott… Néma sötétség.
A hideg kőlapok lassankint melegedni, majd izzani kezdtek. Valahonnan, nagy távolságból halk zsongás hallatszott. Ez a hang a patak csobogására, az erdő suttogására, a szél zizegésére emlékeztette a fiút. S amint a füle betelt harmóniákkal, a szeme is látni kezdett a sötétségben.
A madárház derengő, zöld szentjánosbogár fényben világított. Pepkó ott feküdt a hátán, tátott csőrrel, üveges szemmel, holtan. A drótrácson kívül különös ködalakok mozogtak. Parányi alakok, melyeknek halvány emberarcuk és szomoru szemük volt. Körülvették a madárházat és csöndesen hullámozva lebegtek, mint a hinár a vízben. A zsongásba suttogó beszéd vegyült.
– A teremtés bájos csodája volt!
– Egy tarka virág, mely repülni tudott és énekelt!
– A hangja üde volt, mint a patak gyöngyöző vize!
– Édes, tüzes, mint a tavaszi verőfény!
– Csapongó, mint egy arany szitakötő!
– Parányi szívének gazdagságából mindenkinek adott!
A zöld fény ellobbant és erre elhalt a zsongás. De aztán megint fölpislant és újból szólt:
– Meghalt és vele ezer dal halt meg.
– Megölték és vele ezer dalt öltek meg.
– A világ szegényebb lett ezer dallal.
– Mit érdemel a dalok gyilkosa?
– Soha, soha se halljon többé madárdalt!
Aztán végleg néma sötétség borult a folyosóra.
Künn kutya ugatott. Kulcs csattogott. A hazatérő szülőket rémület fogta el, midőn a kis fiút ott találták a hideg folyosón. Szepegve állott a sarokban, egy ingben, mezitláb. Nem ismert meg senkit, nem válaszolt senkinek, csak egyre azt hebegte:
– Kötelesség! Kötelesség!
Édes anyja reggelig ott ült ágya mellett és csókjaival melengette tagjait. Nagy beteg lett, az életét azonban megmentették. De madárdalt holtáig sem hallott többet, mert megsiketült.
Story DNA
Moral
Neglecting one's duties, especially towards a vulnerable being, can lead to irreversible and tragic consequences.
Plot Summary
On New Year's Eve, young Andorka is left alone and reflects on his pet canary, Pepkó, given to him with the explicit instruction of 'duty' for its care. Initially diligent, Andorka gradually neglects Pepkó due to winter distractions. Tormented by guilt, he rationalizes his inaction, but is later awakened by Pepkó's mournful song. Compelled to check on the bird, he finds it dead in its cage, surrounded by spectral figures who lament its loss and curse Andorka to never hear bird song again. His parents find him traumatized and ill, and though he recovers, he remains permanently deaf to the sound of birds.
Themes
Emotional Arc
innocence to profound regret
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
The story reflects a period where moral instruction and the concept of personal responsibility were strongly emphasized in child-rearing, often through allegorical tales.
Plot Beats (14)
- Andorka is put to bed on New Year's Eve, alone in the house.
- He recalls receiving his canary, Pepkó, for Christmas, and his grandfather's emphasis on 'duty' for its care.
- Initially, Andorka diligently cares for Pepkó, enjoying its song.
- As winter arrives and other activities like sledding and ice skating begin, Andorka starts to neglect feeding Pepkó.
- Lying in bed, Andorka feels a pang of guilt but rationalizes his inaction, convincing himself he's too young to understand 'duty'.
- He falls asleep, but is abruptly awakened by a clock striking, followed by a mournful, beautiful song from Pepkó.
- After the song, a heavy silence falls, and Andorka is compelled to get out of bed and walk to the cold hallway where the birdcage is.
- The cold floor beneath his feet begins to warm and glow, and he perceives a faint humming sound.
- In a green, glowing light, Andorka sees Pepkó lying dead in its cage, with its beak open and eyes glazed.
- Strange, misty figures with sad human faces appear around the cage, lamenting Pepkó's death and its lost songs.
- The figures accuse the 'killer of songs' and pronounce a curse: never to hear bird song again.
- The light and figures vanish, leaving the hallway in darkness.
- Andorka's parents return home and find him traumatized, standing barefoot in the cold hallway, repeatedly muttering 'duty'.
- Andorka falls gravely ill but recovers, though he is left permanently deaf to bird song for the rest of his life.
Characters
Andorka
A small boy, likely slender, with the typical build of a child. His exact height and build are not specified but implied to be small enough to be tucked into bed by his mother.
Attire: Initially in his nightshirt, later described as standing in the cold hallway in 'egy ingben' (a shirt), barefoot. This would be a simple, loose-fitting linen or cotton nightshirt, likely white or off-white, appropriate for a child in a Hungarian household of the early 20th century.
Wants: Initially motivated by the pride of responsibility given by his grandfather. Later, his primary motivation becomes escaping the guilt of his neglect, and finally, a desperate attempt to rectify his mistake and understand 'duty.'
Flaw: Procrastination, self-deception, and a child's inability to fully grasp the consequences of neglect. His fear of the dark and cold also contributes to his inaction.
Begins as a proud, responsible child, then succumbs to childish forgetfulness and self-deception, leading to neglect. He experiences a profound, traumatic vision of his failure and its consequences. He ends the story physically and mentally scarred, losing his hearing as a result of his traumatic experience, forever marked by the concept of 'duty.'
Initially responsible and proud of his 'duty,' but quickly becomes forgetful and self-deceiving. He is imaginative, easily frightened, and ultimately deeply affected by guilt. He shows a capacity for both neglect and profound remorse.
Pepkó
A small, vibrant canary, described as a 'tarka virág' (colorful flower) and 'arany szitakötő' (golden dragonfly), implying bright yellow plumage. It has delicate features, a small beak, and tiny, expressive eyes. Its body is small and fragile.
Attire: Not applicable, as it is a bird.
Wants: To sing and live, to receive care from its owner.
Flaw: Its complete dependence on its owner for survival, making it vulnerable to neglect.
Begins as a cherished pet, full of life and song. Gradually suffers from neglect, its vibrant life fading. Its final, mournful song serves as a catalyst for Andorka's traumatic realization. It dies, becoming a symbol of lost innocence and neglected duty.
Joyful, vibrant, and full of song when cared for. Its singing is described as 'tündöklő tavaszi verőfényre' (shining spring sunshine), indicating a cheerful and life-affirming presence. In its final moments, its song is 'kimondhatatlanul édes és szomoru' (unspeakably sweet and sad), conveying a sense of longing and distress.
Andorka's Mother
Described as affectionate and caring, implying a gentle demeanor. Her physical appearance is not detailed, but as a Hungarian mother of the era, she would likely have a modest but well-kept appearance. She is strong enough to care for her sick child.
Attire: Not explicitly described. Upon returning home, she would be dressed in outdoor attire appropriate for a New Year's Eve visit to her parents, likely a warm, modest dress or skirt and blouse, possibly with a coat or shawl, in dark, practical colors. At home, she would wear a simple, clean dress, perhaps with an apron.
Wants: To care for and protect her son, to fulfill her maternal duties.
Flaw: Not explicitly shown, but perhaps her trust in Andorka to handle his responsibility, or her absence during his critical moment of neglect.
Remains a constant, caring figure. Her arc is one of unwavering maternal support in the face of her son's trauma, highlighting the contrast between her consistent care and Andorka's lapse in duty.
Affectionate, caring, nurturing, and responsible. She is deeply concerned for her son's well-being and acts quickly to care for him when he falls ill.
Andorka's Grandfather
Described as an 'öreg' (old man) with a 'kenetteljes arc' (unctuous/smug face) when speaking of duty. This suggests a man of some gravitas, perhaps with a slightly stern or self-satisfied expression. His build is not specified, but he would likely have the appearance of an older Hungarian man, perhaps a bit stooped or with a sturdy build.
Attire: Not explicitly described. As a grandfather in a Hungarian family, he would likely wear traditional, comfortable, and respectable clothing, such as a dark waistcoat over a white shirt, dark trousers, and possibly a simple jacket, appropriate for the early 20th century.
Wants: To teach his grandson responsibility and the importance of duty, to pass on values.
Flaw: Perhaps a lack of understanding of a child's short attention span or the practical difficulties of maintaining responsibility.
Remains a static character, serving as the initial catalyst for Andorka's lesson on duty.
Authoritative, traditional, and a firm believer in the concept of 'duty.' He is proud of instilling this value in his grandson, perhaps a bit self-righteous.
Mist Figures
Tiny, misty, translucent figures with 'halvány emberarcuk' (pale human faces) and 'szomoru szemük' (sad eyes). They are 'parányi alakok' (tiny figures) that 'hullámozva lebegtek, mint a hinár a vízben' (waved and floated like seaweed in water). They are ethereal and indistinct, composed of a strange mist.
Attire: Not applicable, as they are ethereal beings.
Wants: To lament the death of Pepkó and his songs, and to pronounce judgment on the 'killer of songs.'
Flaw: Their ethereal nature makes them unable to physically intervene, only to observe and judge.
They appear suddenly as part of Andorka's vision, deliver their judgment, and then vanish, serving as a symbolic representation of the consequences of his actions.
Mournful, accusatory, and ethereal. They embody the collective sorrow and judgment over the loss of Pepkó's songs.
Locations
Andorka's Bedroom
A dark and silent room, where Andorka's bed is the central feature. The air is still and quiet, emphasizing his solitude.
Mood: Initially cozy and sleepy, then shifts to anxious and guilt-ridden as Andorka contemplates his forgotten duty.
Andorka is put to bed, falls asleep, and then awakens with a sudden, panicked realization about his canary, Pepkó. He grapples with his conscience here.
Cold Stone Corridor
A long, narrow passageway with icy cold stone slab flooring. It is pitch black and silent, leading to the corner where the birdcage is located.
Mood: Initially chilling and foreboding due to the cold and darkness, then transforms into an eerie, mystical space with glowing green light and spectral figures.
Andorka ventures out of his bed into this cold corridor to check on Pepkó. Here, he experiences a vivid, guilt-induced hallucination of Pepkó's death and the lament of nature spirits.