First, I’m going to compare the circumstances of each. The Prodigal son is the son of a father who is apparently a farmer, while Laurens is the son of the famous Dr. Boekman. The Prodigal son is a story told in the Bible in Luke 15:11-32, while the story of Laurens is a plot line at the end of Hans Brinker. The Prodigal son left home because he was growing restless at home and wanted to travel the world, while Laurens, acting as his father’s assistant, had accidentally mixed the wrong medicines for a patient, and heard of the death of the patient, and so ran away to keep from being arrested for a murderer. The Prodigal son has half of his father’s wealth, while Laurens had practically no money. The Prodigal son spends all his money on leisure, while Laurens changes his name to Thomas Higgs and operates a case factory in England not four miles from where one of the characters, Ben Dobbs, lives. When Gretel gets the case to the silver skates, it is made by Thomas Higgs. Dr. Boekman is present when this is found out. Gretel and Hans’ father, Raff Brinker had met Laurens on his way to England, telling Raff to tell Dr. Boekman who he was and where he lived. Gretel reading ‘Thomas Higgs’ snapped her father’s memory, for he had forgotten during his illness. Ben provides the place, and Hans sets out at once. He brings Laurens back with him. In the Prodigal Son, all his money runs out, and he ends up working feeding a lady’s pigs. He then realizes that he would have a better life as his father’s servant, and goes home. Once Laurens goes home, he thanks the Brinkers for their help, and he ends up being a merchant, while Hans will study under Dr. Boekman and eventuality becomes Dr. Brinker. Laurens is forgiven for running away. The Prodigal Son, on returning home, is also forgiving and restored to being treated as his son.