# I Tried Not to Be explained — A Little Princess

> Chapter companion for A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett.

## What happens

Mr. Carrisford and Mr. Carmichael inform Miss Minchin that Sara's fortune from the diamond mines has been recovered, and that Sara will live with Mr. Carrisford as her guardian. Miss Minchin attempts to reclaim Sara but is rebuffed. Sara asserts her identity as a princess despite her past suffering. Miss Amelia confronts her sister about their mistreatment of Sara, and Ermengarde receives news of the change.

## Themes in this chapter

### Identity and Self-Worth

Sara's declaration that she 'tried not to be anything else' but a princess, even in poverty, underscores her unwavering sense of self-worth and identity.

### Injustice and Cruelty

Miss Minchin's harsh treatment of Sara and Miss Amelia's confession about their cruelty highlight the theme of injustice and the abuse of power.

### Wealth and Poverty

The sudden reversal of Sara's fortune from poverty to immense wealth, and Miss Minchin's groveling attitude toward money, emphasize the contrast between wealth and poverty.

## Character check-ins

### Sara Crewe

Sara is revealed as the heiress of the diamond mines and stands up to Miss Minchin, declaring she tried to remain a princess even in her darkest moments.

### Miss Minchin

Miss Minchin confronts Mr. Carrisford and is humiliated by the revelation of Sara's fortune; she attempts to regain control but fails.

### Mr. Carrisford

Mr. Carrisford asserts his role as Sara's guardian and defends her against Miss Minchin's accusations.

### Mr. Carmichael

Mr. Carmichael acts as the solicitor, explaining the legal recovery of Sara's fortune and supporting Mr. Carrisford.

### Miss St. John

Miss Amelia (Miss St. John) confronts her sister about their mistreatment of Sara, showing rare courage and remorse.

### Ermengarde St. John

Ermengarde appears at the end with a letter, showing excitement and shock about the events.

## Key lines

> I—tried not to be anything else

I strove to remain a princess at heart, no matter how cold or hungry I was.

_Sara's quiet assertion of her inner nobility despite her suffering._

> She saw through us both. She saw that you were a hard-hearted, worldly woman, and that I was a weak fool

Sara understood that you are a cold, materialistic person and that I am a spineless fool.

_Miss Amelia's outburst reveals the sisters' true natures as perceived by Sara._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_little_princess_se/chapters/xviii-i-tried-not-to-be
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_little_princess_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_little_princess_se/chapters