# VII explained — Pointed Roofs

> Chapter companion for Pointed Roofs by Dorothy M. Richardson.

## What happens

During a tense dinner, Fräulein Pfaff publicly criticizes Miriam for not knowing how to handle soup plates, leading to Miriam's internal turmoil and a confrontation about her lack of domestic skills. Miriam feels disgraced and believes Fräulein Pfaff hates her, contemplating that she may have to leave.

## Themes in this chapter

### Class and Social Status

Miriam's admission that she was never allowed in the kitchen at home highlights her upper-middle-class upbringing, which contrasts with the practical expectations of the school.

### Alienation and Belonging

Miriam feels isolated and judged by the entire table after the soup plate incident, deepening her sense of not belonging.

### Inner vs. Outer World

Miriam's internal resentment and pride clash with the external criticism she faces, as she silently refuses to accept the judgment of others.

## Character check-ins

### Miriam

Feels disgraced and resentful after being singled out by Fräulein Pfaff; internally rebels against the judgment and reflects on her lack of domestic training.

### Fräulein Pfaff

Criticizes Miriam for not knowing how to handle soup plates and sarcastically compares her upbringing to that of a countess.

### Gertrude Goldring

Her soup plate is taken first by the servant Marie.

### Emma Bergmann

Shrinks back with a horrified face as Marie takes her plate.

### Jimmie

Leans forward entranced, watching the soup plate incident.

### Clara Bergmann

Handles Marie firmly, holding her plate and spoon together and directing her to the lift.

## Key lines

> Don't let her do it, Miss Henderson.

Fräulein Pfaff warns Miriam not to allow the servant Marie to take her soup plate.

_This command triggers Miriam's public embarrassment and internal conflict._

> We were never even allowed in the kitchen at home.

Miriam explains that she and her sisters were not permitted to enter the kitchen in their household.

_Miriam's statement reveals her privileged upbringing and lack of domestic experience._

> I see. You and your sisters were brought up like Countesses, wie Gräfinnen.

Fräulein Pfaff sarcastically remarks that Miriam and her sisters were raised as if they were countesses.

_This sarcastic comment deepens Miriam's humiliation and sense of alienation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/pointed_roofs_se/chapters/vii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/pointed_roofs_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/pointed_roofs_se/chapters