A Little Princess · Chapter
The Diamond-Mines explained
Captain Crewe writes to Sara about his investment in diamond mines, which captures the imagination of the entire school.
What happens
Captain Crewe writes to Sara about his investment in diamond mines, which captures the imagination of the entire school. Sara's 'princess' pretense becomes a topic of discussion, and she defends it gracefully. Her friendship with Becky deepens as she secretly shares food and stories with the scullery-maid. The chapter ends with preparations for Sara's eleventh birthday and a letter from her father expressing worry over business matters.
Themes in this chapter
Imagination and Storytelling
Sara's diamond-mine stories enchant her friends, and her 'princess' pretense helps her maintain dignity and grace.
Kindness and Empathy
Sara secretly shares food and stories with Becky, providing comfort and laughter that are as nourishing as the meat-pies.
Social Class and Inequality
The contrast between Sara's privileged position and Becky's hard life as a scullery-maid highlights class divisions.
Wealth and Poverty
The diamond mines promise enormous wealth, while Becky's hunger and tiredness underscore her poverty.
Characters to notice
- Sara Crewe
Defends her 'princess' pretense with dignity; secretly shares food and stories with Becky; receives a letter from her father about the diamond mines.
- Lavinia Herbert
Spitefully mocks Sara's diamond-mine stories and her 'princess' pretense, but is unable to find a satisfactory retort.
- Ermengarde St. John
Delights in Sara's stories about the diamond mines and is asked to be a princess but declines, saying she is too fat.
- Lottie Legh
Insists on hearing the diamond-mine story every evening; trots after Sara like a little dog.
- Becky
Deepens her friendship with Sara; receives secret gifts of food and stories; finds laughter and comfort in Sara's kindness.
- Jessie
Giggles with Lavinia about Sara's diamond-mine stories and princess pretense.
- Captain Crewe
Writes to Sara about the diamond mines; expresses worry over business matters and a longing to see her.
- Emily
Mentioned as Sara's doll whose place cannot be taken by the new doll.
Key passages
“If there were mines full of diamonds, people would be so rich it would be ridiculous.”
Lavinia dismisses the idea of diamond mines, saying such wealth would be absurd.
Lavinia's skepticism about the diamond mines.
“Sometimes I do pretend I am a princess. I pretend I am a princess, so that I can try and behave like one.”
Sara explains that her princess pretense helps her act with dignity.
Sara's defense of her imaginative game.
“If Nature has made you for a giver, your hands are born open, and so is your heart; and though there may be times when your hands are empty, your heart is always full, and you can give things out of that—warm things, kind things, sweet things—help and comfort and laughter—and sometimes gay, kind laughter is the best help of all.”
Sara's natural generosity means she gives warmth and laughter even when she has little else.
Narrator's reflection on Sara's giving nature.
“These'll just stay in yer stummick.”
Becky says the meat-pies will be filling and stay in her stomach.
Becky's appreciation for the substantial food Sara gives her.
