Ermengarde explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Imagination and Storytelling

  Sara shares her imaginative world with Ermengarde, including the idea that dolls can walk and talk when no one is watching.

• Resilience and Inner Strength

  Sara hides her grief over her father's departure and resolves to bear it bravely, like a soldier.

• Kindness and Empathy

  Sara feels sorry for Ermengarde when she is mocked and reaches out to befriend her.

Characters to notice

• Sara Crewe

  Sara befriends Ermengarde, shares her imaginative stories, and reveals her pain over her father's departure.

• Ermengarde St. John

  Ermengarde is a slow, good-natured girl who is awed by Sara's cleverness and imagination, and becomes her friend.

• Emily

  Sara's doll, whom she treats as a living companion and introduces to Ermengarde.

• Miss Minchin

  Miss Minchin scolds Ermengarde for her inattentive behavior during the French lesson.

• Lavinia Herbert

  Lavinia giggles at Ermengarde's poor French pronunciation.

• Jessie

  Jessie titters along with Lavinia at Ermengarde's mistakes.

Key passages

• “Have you never pretended things?”

  Sara asks Ermengarde if she has ever used her imagination to pretend.

  Sara introduces Ermengarde to the concept of imaginative play.

• “I love mine more than all the world ten times over. That is what my pain is. He has gone away.”

  Sara confesses that her deep love for her father is the source of her sadness because he is far away.

  Sara reveals her emotional vulnerability and love for her father.

• “I promised him I would bear it. And I will. You have to bear things. Think what soldiers bear!”

  Sara resolves to endure her pain stoically, comparing her suffering to that of a soldier.

  Sara demonstrates her inner strength and determination.