Zlateh the Goat Chapter Summary & Analysis - The Mixed-Up Feet and the Silly Bridegroom Summary

The Mixed-Up Feet and the Silly Bridegroom Summary

East Chelm is a small village near Chelm proper. Like Chelm, East Chelm is inhabited by fools. In East Chelm, Shmelka and Shmelkicha live in a small house with their four daughters, Yenta, Pesha, Trina and Yachna. The four girls share a single bed, and wake up one morning to discover all their eight feet are mixed up in the bottom of the bed. Afraid of getting out of bed with the wrong feet, the girls remain in bed, until their mother tries to rouse them.

Once appraised of her daughters' conundrum Shmelkicha becomes alarmed. Shmelkicha, from Chelm proper, realizes she needs the counsel of the Elder of Chelm. She arranges to have some neighbors complete the morning chores and travels to Chelm where she consults with the Elder. After a prolonged session of pondering, the Elder suggests that Shmelkicha take a stick and, without announcing her intentions, quickly strike...
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