# How Nycteris Grew explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by George MacDonald.

## What happens

Nycteris, kept in darkness by Watho, secretly learns to read with Falca's help and finds joy in her musical instrument. She yearns for more space and is deeply moved by the lamp in her chamber, which stirs vague longings and tears.

## Themes in this chapter

### Reality vs. Illusion

Nycteris's limited understanding of the world contrasts with the allegorical representations on the walls and the lamp's symbolic light.

## Character check-ins

### Nycteris

Secretly learns to read, loves her instrument, and gazes at the lamp with longing.

### Watho

Gives Nycteris minimal education by word of mouth, intending to keep her from reading.

### Falca

Teaches Nycteris the letters and occasionally brings her children's books.

## Key lines

> The little education she intended Nycteris to have, Watho gave her by word of mouth.

Watho taught Nycteris only through speech, deliberately limiting her learning.

_Highlights Watho's control over Nycteris's knowledge._

> She was not unhappy. She knew nothing of the world except the tomb in which she dwelt, and had some pleasure in everything she did.

Nycteris felt content in her ignorance, finding joy in her confined existence.

_Illustrates Nycteris's innocence and the paradox of her happiness._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_21_se/chapters/vii-how-nycteris-grew
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_21_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_21_se/chapters