# The Topless Tower explained — The Phoenix and the Carpet

> Chapter companion for The Phoenix and the Carpet by E. Nesbit.

## What happens

The children awaken to find the Phoenix has hatched and is eager to converse. After a morning of chores, they decide to use the wishing carpet. Jane impulsively wishes the carpet to fit into a mysterious topless tower, causing them to descend into it while Robert is left stranded on a ledge. The Phoenix brings them food and then leaves to find a way to help them escape. While waiting, the children discover a hidden door behind a pile of stones.

## Themes in this chapter

### Magic and Adventure

The children use the wishing carpet to travel to a mysterious topless tower, embarking on a new adventure.

### Family and Responsibility

The children help with household chores before using the carpet, showing a sense of duty.

### Imagination and Escape

Jane's impulsive wish leads them into a fantastical situation, highlighting the power of imagination.

## Character check-ins

### Cyril

Awakened by the Phoenix; helps with chores; tries to keep Jane from worrying.

### Anthea

Comforts the Phoenix; tells the story of the Psammead; suggests the Phoenix can help.

### Jane

Impulsively wishes the carpet into the topless tower; later regrets the wish.

### Robert

Left stranded on a window ledge when the carpet descends; discovers the hidden door.

### The Phoenix

Hatches from the egg; brings food to the children; leaves to find a way to help them escape.

## Key lines

> “Excuse me,” said a gentle voice, and a courteous beak opened, very kindly and delicately, the right eye of Cyril.

The Phoenix gently woke Cyril by opening his eye with its beak.

_The Phoenix's polite awakening of Cyril._

> “I must have an hour or two’s quiet,” it said, “I really must. My nerves will give way unless I can get a little rest.”

The Phoenix insisted on resting, claiming it needed quiet time after two thousand years.

_The Phoenix's need for rest after being dormant._

> “I don’t see why I should never do anything I want, just because I’m the youngest. I wish the carpet would fit itself in at the top of that tower⁠—so there!”

Jane, frustrated at being overruled, wished the carpet to fit into the top of the tower.

_Jane's impulsive wish that leads to their predicament._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_phoenix_and_the_carpet_se/chapters/ii-the-topless-tower
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_phoenix_and_the_carpet_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_phoenix_and_the_carpet_se/chapters