Memoirs of a Midget · Chapter
XLIX explained
The narrator meets Fanny and Mrs.
What happens
The narrator meets Fanny and Mrs. Monnerie at Monk's House for tea, where they discuss the 'Spanish Princess' (Signorina Donna Angélique) and the upcoming circus visit. The narrator feigns jealousy and disinterest in the prodigy while secretly enjoying the deception. Mrs. Monnerie insists the narrator attend the circus, but the narrator refuses on moral grounds, leading to tension. Fanny subtly undermines the narrator, and Susan offers a sympathetic but stinging suggestion. Mrs. Monnerie grows angry at the narrator's defiance.
Themes in this chapter
Performance and Being on Show
The chapter centers on the idea of being on show, as Mrs. Monnerie argues that everyone is performing for an audience. The narrator's own duplicity and the discussion of the Spanish Princess highlight this theme.
Deception and Self-Deception
The narrator enjoys her own deception, pretending to be jealous of the Spanish Princess while secretly relishing the situation. Fanny's subtle manipulations also contribute to this theme.
Class and Social Hierarchy
The discussion of the circus performer's exploitation and the narrator's moral stance reflect class distinctions and the commodification of human beings.
Characters to notice
- Unknown (Narrator)
The narrator engages in a duplicitous performance, feigning jealousy of the Spanish Princess while secretly enjoying the deception. She ultimately refuses to attend the circus, citing moral objections.
- Fanny Bowater
Fanny is present at tea, subtly undermining the narrator and Mrs. Monnerie. She mentions posting a letter and questions the propriety of the circus performer.
- Mrs. Monnerie
Mrs. Monnerie is in good spirits, teasing the narrator about the Spanish Princess. She insists the narrator attend the circus but grows angry when the narrator refuses.
- Susan Monnerie
Susan offers a sympathetic but stinging comment about the circus performer, suggesting she may have been kidnapped. Mrs. Monnerie rebukes her for interfering.
- Signorina Donna Angélique
The 'Spanish Princess' is the main topic of conversation. She is described as a prodigy of nature, and the narrator feigns jealousy of her fame.
Key passages
“One covert glance at Mrs. Monnerie’s face had reassured me. That strange mask was as vigilant and secretive, but as serene, as when it had first smiled on me in the mauves and gildings of Brunswick House.”
A quick look at Mrs. Monnerie's face calmed me; her expression was still watchful and mysterious, but just as peaceful as when we first met.
The narrator observes Mrs. Monnerie's unchanged demeanor, indicating her control and composure.
“The real danger was that I should be a little too clever, overact my part, and arouse her suspicions.”
The main risk was that I might be too clever, overdo my act, and make her suspicious.
The narrator is aware of the fine line between convincing deception and overacting.
“I don’t think, Mrs. Monnerie, if you don’t mind—I don’t think I really wish to go.”
I don't want to go, if that's alright with you.
The narrator directly refuses Mrs. Monnerie's invitation to the circus, causing tension.
“Even Susan’s sympathy had its sting.”
Even Susan's kind words were hurtful in their own way.
Susan's offer of help is perceived as subtly critical or condescending.