English / B1
The Walrus and the Carpenter
The sun was shining brightly over the sea, doing his best to make the waves smooth and bright. This was unusual, because it was the middle of the night. The moon was shining too, but she was annoyed. She thought it was rude of the sun to appear after the day was over.
A walrus, a large sea animal, and a carpenter, a man who worked with wood, were walking along the beach. They cried when they saw how much sand there was.
“If only someone could clear it away!” they said. The walrus wondered whether seven women with seven mops could remove it in half a year. The carpenter doubted it and cried again.
Then the walrus invited some oysters to join them. These little sea animals lived in shells, but the walrus offered them a pleasant walk and a pleasant conversation.
“Only four can come,” he said. “Then we can give everyone a hand.”
The oldest oyster looked at him and shook his head. He preferred to stay where he was. Four young oysters, however, hurried towards the shore. Their faces were washed and their shoes were clean, although they had no feet. Four more followed, and then more and more.
After about a mile, the walrus and the carpenter sat on a low rock. The oysters stood in a line.
“It's time to talk about many things,” said the walrus. His subjects included ships, kings and whether pigs had wings.
“Please wait,” said the oysters. “Some of us are out of breath.”
“There's no hurry,” the carpenter replied, and they thanked him.
The walrus said they needed bread, pepper and vinegar. Then they could start eating.
“But not us!” cried the oysters. After such kindness, that would be terrible.
Instead of answering, the walrus admired the night and asked about the view. The carpenter asked for another slice of bread.
“It seems a shame to trick them after bringing them so far,” said the walrus. The carpenter only complained that the butter was too thick.
The walrus cried and said how sorry he felt for the oysters. While he spoke, he chose the largest ones.
Finally, the carpenter asked the oysters whether they wanted to go home. There was no reply. He and the walrus had eaten every one.
English summary · includes the ending
In a strange world where the sun shines at midnight, a walrus and a carpenter walk along a beach. They cry because there is so much sand and discuss whether anyone could clear it away.
The walrus invites some oysters to join them for a walk and conversation. The oldest oyster stays behind, but many young oysters follow. After walking about a mile, the two companions sit on a rock. The tired oysters ask for a rest before they talk.
The walrus then suggests bread and other things for a meal. The oysters protest that he must not eat them after being so kind. He changes the subject, while the carpenter asks for more bread.
The walrus expresses sorrow for the oysters while choosing the largest ones. The carpenter only complains about the butter. Finally, he asks whether the oysters want to go home. None can answer: the two have eaten them all.
Adapted for Lejrbål from the credited source.
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