# The End of the End explained — The Phoenix and the Carpet

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

## What happens

The children struggle with how to tell the Phoenix it must leave, but the Phoenix reveals it already knows and intends to depart. It asks for the remains of the magic carpet as a final boon. The children prepare a funeral pyre with cedar pencils and sandalwood, and the Phoenix burns the carpet, leaving only ashes. The next day, a mysterious box arrives filled with gifts, including a tiny golden feather, which Robert keeps. The family attributes the gifts to an insane millionaire, but the children know it is the Psammead fulfilling the Phoenix's last wish.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family and Responsibility

The children prioritize their mother's feelings and the safety of the Lamb over their attachment to the Phoenix, showing growth in familial duty.

### Magic and Adventure

The Phoenix's departure and the magical carpet's final use underscore the end of the children's magical adventures, blending wonder with loss.

### Morality and Consequences

The children's decision to give the carpet to the Phoenix leads to a generous reward, illustrating that selfless acts can have positive outcomes.

## Character check-ins

### Anthea

Struggles to speak indirectly about the Phoenix's departure; builds a card-house for the Lamb; remains dry-eyed when the Lamb disappears on the carpet.

### Cyril

Understands Anthea's veiled speech; suggests turning over a new leaf; stands sentinel outside the door while the Phoenix prepares for its departure.

### Robert

The Phoenix's favorite; feels miserable at the parting; chooses the materials for the funeral pyre; secretly keeps the tiny golden feather.

### Jane

Bursts into tears when the Lamb disappears; later reveals to mother that the carpet was given to someone whose name began with P.

### The Phoenix

Announces its departure; asks for the carpet remains; burns the carpet in a funeral pyre; leaves a tiny golden feather as a last token.

### The Lamb

Makes playful remarks; disappears on the magic carpet when it is pulled; later returns safely.

## Key lines

> It’s very horrid. I do hate thinking things about people, and not being able to say the things you’re thinking because of the way they would feel when they thought what things you were thinking, and wondered what they’d done to make you think things like that, and why you were thinking them.

Anthea expresses her discomfort with having to hide her thoughts about the Phoenix to avoid hurting its feelings.

_Highlights the children's struggle with honesty and tact in a delicate situation._

> The time has come when I must leave you.

The Phoenix announces its departure, relieving the children of their burden.

_Key moment where the Phoenix takes the initiative, resolving the children's dilemma._

> In return for the carpet. With gratitude. — P.

A note accompanying the gift box thanks the children for the carpet.

_Reveals the Psammead's fulfillment of the Phoenix's last wish, closing the story._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_phoenix_and_the_carpet_se/chapters/xii-the-end-of-the-end
- 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