The Lost Girl · Chapter
VII: Natcha-Kee-Tawara explained
Alvina becomes closely associated with Mr.
What happens
Alvina becomes closely associated with Mr. May, causing scandal in Woodhouse. Mr. May explains his distinction between physical and mental friendships, valuing Alvina as a 'mental' friend. Alvina observes the variety of performers at the Endeavour Theatre, including a flautist, a Japanese tattooed man, and others. James Houghton's venture struggles with limited success, and Alvina clashes with Miss Pinnegar over the value of live performance versus cinema.
Themes in this chapter
The Ordinary vs. the Extraordinary
Alvina contrasts the mundane permanence of Woodhouse and Miss Pinnegar with the fleeting, exotic life of the Natcha-Kee-Tawara troupe.
Illusion vs. Reality
Mr. May's distinction between physical and mental friendships, and Alvina's perception of the troupe as unreal compared to Woodhouse, highlight the theme.
Modernity and Industrial Decline
The Endeavour Theatre's struggle in the industrial canal-valley and the threat of cinema reflect industrial decline and modernity.
Characters to notice
- Alvina Houghton
Alvina becomes inseparable from Mr. May, observes performers, and defends the troupe against Miss Pinnegar's criticism.
- Mr. May
Mr. May explains his philosophy of mental vs. physical friendships, values Alvina as a sister, and buys new clothes.
- James Houghton
James is absorbed in the Endeavour Theatre's finances, hoping for success but facing limitations.
- Miss Pinnegar
Miss Pinnegar criticizes live performances, favoring cinema, and argues with Alvina about the troupe's value.
- Ciccio
Ciccio is mentioned as part of the troupe, seen as a fantasy by Alvina in contrast to Woodhouse reality.
Key passages
“She found they were very much of a type: a little frowsy, a little flea-bitten as a rule, indifferent to ordinary morality, and philosophical even if irritable.”
Alvina noticed that the performers were generally disheveled, unconcerned with conventional morals, and had a resigned, irritable philosophy.
Alvina's observation of the troupe's typical characteristics.
“There are two kinds of friendships, physical and mental. The physical is a thing of the moment... But it's so different with the mental friendships. They are lasting.”
Mr. May explains that physical friendships are temporary, while mental friendships are enduring.
Mr. May's philosophy on friendship types.
“I don't hold with idle show-people, parading round, I don't, myself. I like to go to the cinema once a week. It's instruction...”
Miss Pinnegar disapproves of live performers and prefers cinema for its educational value.
Miss Pinnegar's critique of the troupe and defense of cinema.
“They were unreal, Madame and Ciccio and the rest. Ciccio was just a fantasy blown in on the wind, to blow away again.”
Alvina felt that the troupe members were like fleeting fantasies, not part of the permanent reality of Woodhouse.
Alvina's internal conflict between the troupe's allure and Woodhouse's permanence.