# VII explained — Little Lord Fauntleroy

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

## What happens

Cedric attends church with the Earl, where he sings joyfully and shows kindness to a tenant farmer, Mr. Higgins. The Earl observes the community's respect for Cedric and his mother, and reflects on his own changing feelings.

## Themes in this chapter

### Innocence and Moral Purity

Cedric's pure-hearted singing and his naive attribution of goodness to the Earl highlight his uncorrupted nature.

### Social Class and Aristocracy

The church scene and the deference shown to Cedric and his mother illustrate the rigid class hierarchy and the role of the aristocracy.

### Redemption and Change

The Earl's softening demeanor and his grim smile at Cedric's praise suggest the beginning of his transformation.

## Character check-ins

### Cedric Errol

Sings in church, speaks kindly to Mr. Higgins, and shows affection for his grandfather.

### Earl of Dorincourt

Observes Cedric in church and during the encounter with Higgins, showing a grim smile at Cedric's innocent praise.

### Mrs. Errol

Attends church, receives respectful greetings from villagers, and prays for Cedric's happiness.

### Higgins

A tenant farmer who thanks Cedric for speaking on his behalf; is taken aback by Cedric's praise of the Earl.

### Thomas

The footman who opens the carriage door at the church.

## Key lines

> Oh, Ceddie! ... only be good, dear, only be brave, only be kind and true always, and then you will never hurt anyone, so long as you live, and you may help many, and the big world may be better because my little child was born.

Mrs. Errol tells Cedric that being good, brave, kind, and true will ensure he never harms anyone and can make the world a better place.

_Mrs. Errol's heartfelt advice to Cedric before he goes to the Castle._

> I only wrote the letter. It was my grandfather who did it. But you know how he is about always being good to everybody.

Cedric tells Higgins that the Earl is the one who deserves thanks for helping him, as he is always kind.

_Cedric's innocent misattribution of the Earl's character, which embarrasses the Earl._

## Links

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