Memoirs of a Midget · Chapter
Endnotes explained
The narrator reflects on the motto presented to Mrs.
What happens
The narrator reflects on the motto presented to Mrs. Monnerie, acknowledging it is not the true family motto, which was deemed too satirical. The substitute motto, though perhaps overweening, is offered with both hope and misgiving.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Self-Deception
The narrator presents a substitute motto, withholding the real one as too satirical, and expresses both hope and misgiving about its truth.
Characters to notice
- Unknown (Narrator)
The narrator comments on the motto shared with Mrs. Monnerie.
- Mrs. Monnerie
The recipient of the narrator's substitute motto.
Key passages
“To be truthful, this is not my family motto ( nor crest); but the real motto seemed a little too satirical to share with Mrs. Monnerie; and however overweening its substitute may appear, I have now hopes, and now misgivings, that it is true.”
Honestly, that is not my real family motto or crest; the actual one seemed too mocking to tell Mrs. Monnerie. Though the replacement may seem arrogant, I sometimes believe it and sometimes doubt it.
The narrator explains the substitution of the family motto and the ambivalence toward its truth.