The Little White Bird · Chapter
XX: David and Porthos Compared explained
The narrator writes an insulting letter to Mary, comparing David's behavior and character to that of his dog Porthos.
What happens
The narrator writes an insulting letter to Mary, comparing David's behavior and character to that of his dog Porthos. He details their manners, gentleness, reactions to punishment, and other traits, ultimately concluding that each has merits and that Mary should keep her boy while he keeps his dog.
Themes in this chapter
Childhood and Imagination
David's inventiveness and playful nature are contrasted with Porthos's inability to play alone, highlighting the imaginative world of childhood.
Motherhood and Family
Mary's role as mother is central, with the narrator critiquing her parenting and the family dynamics surrounding David's upbringing.
Jealousy and Possessiveness
The narrator's competitive comparison of David and Porthos reveals a possessive attachment to both, as well as jealousy toward Mary's influence.
Characters to notice
- David
Compared to Porthos in manners, gentleness, and behavior; described as forgetful, less polite, but inventive and not a snob.
- Porthos
The narrator's dog, compared to David; noted for his politeness, gentleness with small creatures, and deep attachment to his master.
- Mary A⸺
Recipient of the narrator's insulting letter; mother of David, criticized for her curiosity and parenting.
- Irene
David's nurse, referred to as 'the girl Irene'; complains about the narrator's lack of severity with David.
Key passages
“When Mary does anything that specially annoys me I send her an insulting letter.”
The narrator habitually responds to Mary's irritating actions by writing her insulting letters.
Establishes the context for the chapter's central letter.
“Thus weighing Porthos with David it were hard to tell which is the worthier. Wherefore do you keep your boy while I keep my dog, and so we shall both be pleased.”
After comparing them, the narrator concludes that neither is clearly superior, so Mary should keep David and he will keep Porthos.
Summarizes the letter's conclusion and the narrator's resolution.