The Children’s Drills

William Tell (P. G. Wodehouse Edition)

This thread traces William Tell’s effort to prepare his sons for a future struggle and Hedwig’s resistance to the household costs of that preparation.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Practice in the Chalet Practice in the Chalet from "William Tell". Practice in the Chalet A father’s preparation William Tell drills Walter and William, who march about beating tin cans and shouting.

Practice in the Chalet from "William Tell". Practice in the Chalet A father’s preparation William Tell drills Walter and William, who march about beating tin cans and shouting.

Practice in the Chalet A father’s preparation William Tell drills Walter and William, who march about beating tin cans and shouting. A mother’s objection Hedwig wants the boys to help with housework and complains about the noise. The family’s small quarrel reflects opposing ideas of readiness and ordinary responsibility.

The Broken Bowstring The Broken Bowstring from "William Tell". The Broken Bowstring A lesson in self-reliance Walter tells his father that his bowstring has broken, and Tell tells him to mend it himself.

The Broken Bowstring from "William Tell". The Broken Bowstring A lesson in self-reliance Walter tells his father that his bowstring has broken, and Tell tells him to mend it himself.

The Broken Bowstring A lesson in self-reliance Walter tells his father that his bowstring has broken, and Tell tells him to mend it himself. Skill as upbringing Tell sees self-sufficiency and practice as part of becoming a capable marksman. The lesson foreshadows the discipline demanded during the apple challenge.

The Mother’s Warning The Mother’s Warning from "William Tell". The Mother’s Warning Danger recognized Hedwig urges William Tell to avoid Hermann Gessler, predicting that the Governor’s grudge will bring trouble.

The Mother’s Warning from "William Tell". The Mother’s Warning Danger recognized Hedwig urges William Tell to avoid Hermann Gessler, predicting that the Governor’s grudge will bring trouble.

The Mother’s Warning Danger recognized Hedwig urges William Tell to avoid Hermann Gessler, predicting that the Governor’s grudge will bring trouble. Duty prevails Tell keeps his appointment and takes Walter despite Hedwig’s misgivings. The family’s preparedness cannot prevent danger from arriving through public events.

Courage Put to Use Courage Put to Use from "William Tell". Courage Put to Use Training meets crisis Walter’s familiarity with his father’s shooting skill helps him stand calmly beneath the apple.

Courage Put to Use from "William Tell". Courage Put to Use Training meets crisis Walter’s familiarity with his father’s shooting skill helps him stand calmly beneath the apple.

Courage Put to Use Training meets crisis Walter’s familiarity with his father’s shooting skill helps him stand calmly beneath the apple. Confidence amid coercion He refuses to be bound or blindfolded and urges Tell to shoot. The boy’s practice becomes emotional readiness rather than mere play.

A Skill Inherited A Skill Inherited from "William Tell". A Skill Inherited A peaceful continuation William Tell lives at home with Hedwig and both sons after Switzerland becomes free.

A Skill Inherited from "William Tell". A Skill Inherited A peaceful continuation William Tell lives at home with Hedwig and both sons after Switzerland becomes free.

A Skill Inherited A peaceful continuation William Tell lives at home with Hedwig and both sons after Switzerland becomes free. The boys mature Walter and William become nearly as skilled with the crossbow as their father. The drills that once worried Hedwig become part of a family legacy.

Before the revolt begins

A few days before the meadow confrontation

The morning Tell leaves for town

During the apple challenge

Several years after independence