Little Lord Fauntleroy · Chapter
VI explained
Cedric wakes in his new bedroom at Dorincourt Castle and quickly befriends his caretaker, Dawson.
What happens
Cedric wakes in his new bedroom at Dorincourt Castle and quickly befriends his caretaker, Dawson. Meanwhile, the Earl, initially dreading his grandson's arrival, finds himself unexpectedly charmed by Cedric's cheerful and innocent nature as they play a game together. The Reverend Mr. Mordaunt visits and is astonished to see the Earl in good spirits, a stark contrast to his usual demeanor.
Themes in this chapter
Innocence and Moral Purity
Cedric's innocent and cheerful demeanor disarms the Earl, contrasting with the Earl's usual bitterness and the servants' gossip about his temper.
Redemption and Change
The Earl begins to soften as he enjoys playing with Cedric, hinting at a potential transformation from his usual harsh and selfish behavior.
Social Class and Aristocracy
The chapter explores the power dynamics between the Earl, the servants, and the clergyman, emphasizing the rigid class structure and the Earl's disdain for the poor.
Characters to notice
- Cedric Errol
Wakes in his new bedroom, dresses himself, and befriends Dawson. Later teaches the Earl a game, showing his innocent and engaging nature.
- Earl of Dorincourt
Suffering from gout and in a bad mood, but is won over by Cedric's charm during a game, showing a rare moment of amusement and softening.
- Reverend Mr. Mordaunt
Visits the Castle to discuss a pressing case, dreading the Earl's usual hostility, but is shocked to find the Earl playing happily with Cedric.
- Mrs. Mellon
The housekeeper who greets Cedric in the morning and introduces him to Dawson.
- Mrs. Dawson
The caretaker assigned to Cedric; she is kind and quickly becomes friends with him, sharing stories of her husband and son.
- Thomas
A footman who is mentioned in the servants' gossip about the Earl's bad temper and the arrival of Cedric.
Key passages
“his lordship, of his own free will, do anyone a kindness, or, under any circumstances whatever, show that he thought of anyone but himself.”
The Earl never voluntarily helped anyone or showed concern for others.
Describes the Earl's typical selfishness, as observed by the rector.
“It certainly was a novel entertainment this—making a companion of a child who offered to teach him to play games—but the very novelty of it amused him.”
The Earl found it amusingly new to have a child as a companion who wanted to teach him games.
Highlights the Earl's surprise and amusement at Cedric's offer to play.
“If, a week before, anyone had told the Earl of Dorincourt that on that particular morning he would be forgetting his gout and his bad temper in a child's game... he would without doubt have made himself very unpleasant.”
A week ago, the Earl would have angrily denied that he could ever forget his gout and bad mood while playing a child's game.
Shows the dramatic change in the Earl's demeanor due to Cedric's influence.