# L explained — Memoirs of a Midget

> Chapter companion for Memoirs of a Midget by Walter de la Mare.

## What happens

The narrator, dismissed by Mrs. Monnerie, prepares to flee Beechwood. After leaving a cryptic message for Adam, she slips away and begins a long, anxious journey on foot. Exhausted and lost, she is rescued by Mr. Anon, who has been summoned by a note from Fanny (using Mrs. Monnerie's name). They share a tender reunion, and the narrator feels a profound sense of peace and escape.

## Themes in this chapter

### Solitude and Self-Discovery

The narrator's solitary journey and inner resolve highlight a moment of self-reliance and transformation.

### Deception and Self-Deception

Fanny's deceptive note to Mr. Anon and the narrator's own half-truths in her story underscore the theme.

### Love and Obsession

The tender reunion with Mr. Anon and the narrator's deep emotional attachment reflect love and devotion.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown (Narrator)

The narrator is dismissed by Mrs. Monnerie, flees Beechwood, and is rescued by Mr. Anon.

### Mrs. Monnerie

Mrs. Monnerie angrily dismisses the narrator, prompting the flight.

### Susan Monnerie

Susan softly visits the narrator to offer comfort after the dismissal.

### Mr. Anon

Mr. Anon rescues the narrator in his cart, having been summoned by Fanny's note.

### Fanny Bowater

Fanny is mentioned as having sent a note to Mr. Anon under Mrs. Monnerie's name.

### Adam Waggett

The narrator leaves a message for Adam: 'The Bird is flown.'

## Key lines

> I pinned to the carpet a message for Adam, in case he should dare to be faithful to me—just four scribbled uncompromising words: 'The Bird is flown.'

I left a note for Adam, in case he remained loyal, with just four blunt words: 'The Bird is flown.'

_The narrator leaves a cryptic farewell for Adam._

> With eyes fixed on a starry knot of wood at the threshold, I stood for a while, with head bent, listening at my door. I might have been pausing between two worlds.

I stood at the door, staring at a knot in the wood, listening, as if caught between two worlds.

_The narrator hesitates at the threshold, symbolizing a transition._

> Half dragged and half lifted into the cart, by what signs I could, for speech was impossible, I bade him turn back. It unmanned me to see the quiet and love in his face.

I was pulled into the cart, unable to speak, and asked him to turn back. His calm, loving expression overwhelmed me.

_Mr. Anon rescues the narrator, and she is moved by his tenderness._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/chapters/l
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/chapters