# XIII explained — Memoirs of a Midget

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

## What happens

The narrator waits for Fanny Bowater in the woods after a tense evening with Mrs. Bowater, but Fanny is late. When she finally arrives, they have a strained conversation under the stars. After returning home, Fanny forgets her key, and the narrator helps her unlock the door. They part with a kiss and a bittersweet exchange.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Obsession

The narrator's intense longing for Fanny, jealousy, and self-hatred dominate the chapter, culminating in a bittersweet reunion.

### Solitude and Self-Discovery

The narrator seeks solace in the night and the woods, reflecting on her own emotions and identity.

### Nature and the Sublime

The moonlit woods, stars (especially Sirius and the Pleiades), and the nightbird's cry create a sublime, almost mystical atmosphere.

## Character check-ins

### Mrs. Bowater

The narrator feels suspicion and hostility toward her; she tidies up and bids good night with a blessing.

### Fanny Bowater

The narrator's love interest; she arrives late for their tryst, forgets her key, and kisses the narrator's veil before parting.

### Unknown (Narrator)

The narrator experiences intense emotions of love, obsession, and self-reproach during the nocturnal encounter.

### Miss M.

The narrator refers to herself as Miss M. in the context of her past self and her reverie.

### Midgetina

Fanny calls the narrator 'Midgetina' affectionately when kissing her veil.

### Henry

Henry the cat shares the narrator's labors and sits moodily at the foot of the stairs.

## Key lines

> The old conflict was raging in my mind—hatred of my deceit, horror at betraying an accomplice, and longing for the solemn quiet and solitude of the dark.

I was torn between self-loathing for my lies, fear of exposing my partner, and a deep desire for peaceful darkness.

_The narrator's internal struggle sets the emotional tone for the chapter._

> I drew down my veil, wrapped my shawl closer round my shoulders, descended my staircase, and presently stood in the porch in confrontation of the night.

I covered my face, pulled my shawl tight, went downstairs, and faced the night from the porch.

_The narrator prepares for her secret meeting with Fanny._

> She was dressed in a black cloak, its peaked old-fashioned hood drawn over her head. The moonbeams struck its folds as she moved.

She wore an old-fashioned black hooded cloak, and the moonlight caught its folds as she walked.

_Fanny's appearance in the woods is described with vivid imagery._

> I am sorry, Midgetina, she whispered into its folds, I was impatient. Mother wouldn't have liked the astronomy, you know.

She apologized softly, calling me Midgetina, and explained that her mother would have disapproved of our stargazing.

_Fanny's apology reveals the need for secrecy from Mrs. Bowater._

> My dear, it was my mind you hurt, not my feelings.

I told her that the pain was intellectual, not emotional.

_The narrator's parting words emphasize the depth of their connection and the narrator's pride._

## Links

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