Hop-Frog

Trippetta plays a small but instrumental role in “Hop-Frog.” Although largely a static character, she’s also a foil to the title character. While the narrator describes Hop-Frog as a “dwarf” of unusual proportions, Trippetta has a more palatable appearance to the men of the court: “She, on account of her grace and exquisite beauty (although a dwarf), was universally admired and petted; so she possessed much influence” (Paragraph 9). Both she and Hop-Frog are essentially enslaved by the king; however, Trippetta’s looks allow her to gain acceptance in the kingdom more easily than Hop-Frog can, further highlighting his isolation and alienation. Trippetta’s favor with the court permits her to take a back seat in the story—the narrative doesn’t focus much on her—and to stay mostly hidden regarding the king’s abusive behavior.

Thus, Trippetta’s abuse is a turning point in the narrative. Although her beauty previously garnered the king’s favor, when she implores him to spare Hop-Frog from drinking the wine, she’s assaulted: She “got up the best she could, and, not daring even to sigh, resumed her position at the foot of the table” (Paragraph 25). The foot of the table symbolizes her place in the kingdom’s society: at the bottom. Despite the favor that her appearance affords her, she’s still not seen as a person.

Seeing the king and ministers dehumanizing Trippetta inspires Hop-Frog to take revenge. She acts as a sidekick in the story’s climax, helping them both escape. The final sentence reveals the narrator’s “supposition” that she’s on the roof pulling the men up by the chain. Considering the size of the eight men, she must also have considerable strength. Like Hop-Frog, her wit and strength enable her to escape.