Those Tiny Bits of Beans

Elizabeth St Jacques is the author of Dance of Light and Around the Tree
of Light.

Henri and Madeline live on a small farm along the Red River in the early
days of Manitoba. Because there are so many chores to do each day, Henri
develops the unfortunate habit of quickly gulping his food and slurping
his soup—much to his wife’s chagrin. One day, while en route to a
wedding, Madeline, “tired of feeling embarrassed in public” by
Henri’s bad manners, tells him she has a plan to help him. An
unexpected “guest” at the wedding, however, interferes with the
plan; Madeline and Henri become angry with each other and leave in a
huff.

This may be one of those fireside yarns handed down through
generations. While the central moment is humorous, the mood is quickly
lost when the couple overreact and stay angry. The attempt at humor at
the end of the story is perplexing and doesn’t work. Another problem
with the story is the way the couple are portrayed. After a long day of
hard work, Henri “almost [drags his wife] into the cabin,” sits
himself at the table, hurriedly eats, and orders his wife back outside
to help with the chores. This is how one should treat his partner? Who
prepared the meal? And when does Madeline get to eat?

There are very few positive messages for children here. Not
recommended.