# II explained — Little Lord Fauntleroy

> Chapter companion for Little Lord Fauntleroy by Frances Hodgson Burnett.

## What happens

Cedric learns that he is the heir to an earldom and will become Lord Fauntleroy. He struggles with the news, worries about leaving his friend Mr. Hobbs, and discusses the situation with his mother. The lawyer Mr. Havisham arrives to arrange the move to England, and the Earl's harsh terms are revealed, though Mrs. Errol agrees for her son's sake. Cedric begins to see the positive side of his new position after helping a poor woman.

## Themes in this chapter

### Innocence and Moral Purity

Cedric's innocent concern for his friends and his honest, generous nature contrast with the Earl's bitterness.

### Social Class and Aristocracy

The chapter explores the vast divide between Cedric's simple American life and the expectations of British nobility.

### Family and Belonging

Cedric's bond with his mother is tested by the Earl's demand for separation, highlighting themes of family loyalty.

## Character check-ins

### Cedric Errol

Struggles to understand his new title and worries about leaving his friends, but gradually accepts his fate.

### Mrs. Errol

Sorrowfully agrees to send Cedric to England for his future, despite the Earl's harsh terms.

### Mr. Hobbs

Shocked to learn that Cedric is to become an earl, reacting with disbelief and agitation.

### Mr. Havisham

The family lawyer who delivers the Earl's terms and observes the characters of Cedric and his mother.

### Earl of Dorincourt

Described as a lonely, bitter old man who dislikes America and refuses to see Mrs. Errol.

## Key lines

> There was never a more amazed little boy than Cedric during the week that followed; there was never so strange or so unreal a week.

Cedric was utterly bewildered by the events of the following week, which felt completely surreal.

_Describes Cedric's shock upon learning he is heir to an earldom._

> I should rather not be an earl. None of the boys are earls. Can't I not be one?

Cedric expresses his reluctance to become an earl, noting that none of his peers hold such titles.

_Shows Cedric's initial resistance to his new identity._

> You said that you wouldn't have them sitting 'round on your cracker-barrels. ... Mr. Hobbs, one is sitting on this box now!

Cedric reminds Mr. Hobbs of his earlier disdain for earls, then reveals that he himself is about to become one.

_A humorous moment where Cedric breaks the news to his friend._

> It will make a great difference. It will make a great difference.

Mr. Havisham reflects on the profound impact Cedric's inheritance will have on his life and the estate.

_Highlights the significance of Cedric's new role._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/little_lord_fauntleroy_se/chapters/ii
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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/little_lord_fauntleroy_se/chapters