The Mysterious Stranger

“Some people charged him with talking around in conversation that God was all goodness and would find a way to save all his poor human children. It was a horrible thing to say, but there was never any absolute proof that Father Peter said it; and it was out of character for him to say it, too, for he was always good and gentle and truthful.”

This quote provides exposition about Eseldorf and its people. As they are deeply religious, it is likely that many of them would subscribe to the interpretation of God as a stern and powerful ruler. Father Peter is shunned for diverging from this interpretation. The description shows that the people of Eseldorf prioritize conformity, an idea that grows in importance throughout the story.

“He had new and good clothes on, and was handsome and had a winning face and a pleasant voice, and as easy and graceful and unembarrassed, not slouchy and awkward and diffident, like other boys.”

This is Satan’s first appearance in the text. It provides detailed characterization that makes him stand out from the others in the narrative. He is visibly different from what Theodor expects, and this fascinates Theodor and draws him to Satan. Theodor’s attitude also shows that he is open minded.

“‘We others are still ignorant of sin; we are not able to commit it; we are without blemish. [...]’ Two of the little workmen were quarreling, and in buzzing little bumblebee voices they were cursing and swearing at each other; now came blows and blood; then they locked themselves together in a life-and-death struggle. Satan reached out his hand and crushed the life out of them with his fingers, threw them away, wiped the red from his fingers on his handkerchief, and went on talking where he had left off: ‘We cannot do wrong; neither have we any disposition to do it, for we do not know what it is.’”

This quote demonstrates the irony behind Satan’s actions. Despite claiming to do no wrong, he kills a living creature. Satan’s interaction with the clay men demonstrates his disdain for humanity (and human-adjacent beings), but also forces the reader to question whether or not his moral code is truly superior.