The Second Abandonment Plan

Hansel and Gretel

The Stepmother prevents Hansel from collecting stones, and the failed breadcrumb trail leaves the children stranded beyond the family’s reach.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The Locked Door The Locked Door from "Hansel and Gretel". The Locked Door Preventing escape After the children return, a worse famine leads the adults to repeat their plan.

The Locked Door from "Hansel and Gretel". The Locked Door Preventing escape After the children return, a worse famine leads the adults to repeat their plan.

The Locked Door Preventing escape After the children return, a worse famine leads the adults to repeat their plan. Hansel hears them but cannot leave to collect White Pebbles. The Stepmother locks the door so the children cannot escape. Her preparation directly targets the method that defeated the first abandonment. A fragile alternative Hansel reassures Gretel that he will think of something. His only available substitute is the bread he receives before the journey.

Birds Eat the Trail Birds Eat the Trail from "Hansel and Gretel". Birds Eat the Trail Crumbs on the path As the family travels, Hansel drops Bread Crumbs to mark the route.

Birds Eat the Trail from "Hansel and Gretel". Birds Eat the Trail Crumbs on the path As the family travels, Hansel drops Bread Crumbs to mark the route.

Birds Eat the Trail Crumbs on the path As the family travels, Hansel drops Bread Crumbs to mark the route. The adults leave the children by a fire as they did before. When darkness comes, the children seek the way home. They discover that birds have eaten every crumb. Isolation deepens The loss of the trail removes Hansel’s earlier means of escape. The children are now alone, hungry, and unable to find the path back.

Wandering Toward Danger Wandering Toward Danger from "Hansel and Gretel". Wandering Toward Danger No way back Hansel and Gretel wander for hours through a thick, dark forest. The failed markers leave them without direction or food.

Wandering Toward Danger from "Hansel and Gretel". Wandering Toward Danger No way back Hansel and Gretel wander for hours through a thick, dark forest. The failed markers leave them without direction or food.

Wandering Toward Danger No way back Hansel and Gretel wander for hours through a thick, dark forest. The failed markers leave them without direction or food. At last they discover a clearing and the house made of sweets. Relief appears to be within reach, but it leads them toward another threat. A new conflict The failed abandonment plan has not killed the children, but it has exposed them to the Witch. Their struggle changes from finding home to escaping captivity.

before the second journey

the second night in the forest

after the crumb trail disappears