# XXV explained — Memoirs of a Midget

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

## What happens

The narrator reflects on the complexities of her life, including Mrs. Monnerie's attention and the mysterious stranger, while grappling with Mrs. Bowater's reluctance to discuss her social triumphs. A conversation about Wanderslore reveals the tragic story of a woman who hanged herself out of jealousy over her husband's obsessive love. The narrator and Mrs. Bowater discuss a possible trip to the sea and visiting the stranger, contingent on Fanny not returning home.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Self-Deception

The narrator questions Mrs. Monnerie's true nature and Mrs. Bowater's evasiveness, while also reflecting on her own self-perception as a 'bubble' reflecting the universe.

### Love and Obsession

The Wanderslore story centers on a husband's jealous love driving his wife to suicide, illustrating the destructive power of obsession.

### Solitude and Self-Discovery

The narrator feels a 'loneliness' with Mrs. Bowater and contemplates her own identity as a midget navigating a world of 'ravishing disguises.'

## Character check-ins

### Unknown (Narrator)

Reflects on her own complications with Mrs. Monnerie and the stranger, feels lonely when Mrs. Bowater is distant, and longs for Fanny's return.

### Mrs. Bowater

Shares the tragic story of Wanderslore's ghost, is evasive about Mrs. Monnerie and Lord B., and shows affection for the narrator despite her gruffness.

### Fanny Bowater

Mentioned as not coming home; the narrator wishes she could accompany her to Brunswick House and laments her absence.

### Mrs. Monnerie

Described as extremely arrogant but having singled out the narrator; the narrator copes with her influence and questions her character.

### Mr. Crimble

Recalled as a peering guest at Brunswick House, ignored by Mrs. Monnerie, and linked to Fanny's 'pin' that keeps them together.

### Lady Pollacke

Her coachman's crested back buttons are noted; she recommended discrimination to the narrator.

## Key lines

> Wanderslore’s story was only of what happened when the tangle was so harshly knotted that no mortal fingers could unravel it.

The tale of Wanderslore is about a situation so complicated that no one could fix it.

_The narrator uses this as a metaphor for her own entanglements with Mrs. Monnerie and the stranger._

> How thankful I felt that mine hadn’t been a really flattering reply to Mrs. Monnerie’s question.

I was relieved I hadn't given Mrs. Monnerie an overly complimentary answer.

_The narrator reflects on her cautious response to Mrs. Monnerie's inquiry._

> She was extremely arrogant, even for a younger daughter of a lord.

Her arrogance was notable, even by the standards of a lord's younger daughter.

_The narrator critiques Mrs. Monnerie's haughty demeanor._

> The less she cared, the more they flocked. She couldn’t collect herself, and say, ‘Here I am; who are you?’ so to speak.

Her indifference attracted more admirers, but she couldn't assert her own identity.

_Mrs. Bowater describes the tragic woman of Wanderslore's scattered nature._

> It’s a sickly and dangerous thing to be too much admired.

Being excessively admired can be unhealthy and perilous.

_Mrs. Bowater warns the narrator about the dangers of excessive attention._

> Smallest of bubbles I might be, tossing on the great waters, but I reflected the universe.

Though I am tiny and insignificant, I still mirror the vastness of existence.

_The narrator expresses a sense of cosmic connection despite her smallness._

## Links

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