The Princess and Curdie · Chapter
XIII: The Baker's Wife explained
Curdie and Lina approach the city of Gwyntystorm, observing its neglected fortifications and the self-congratulatory attitude of its inhabitants.
What happens
Curdie and Lina approach the city of Gwyntystorm, observing its neglected fortifications and the self-congratulatory attitude of its inhabitants. Upon entering, Curdie helps a baker who trips on a stone, leading to a dispute with a barber over a broken window. Curdie's actions reveal the city's selfishness and lack of genuine community. The baker's wife, more honest than her husband, warns Curdie to be careful in the city and sells him better bread, showing a glimmer of kindness.
Themes in this chapter
Community vs. Individualism
The city's focus on self-interest and commerce contrasts with Curdie's sense of communal responsibility, as seen in his help to the baker and the baker's wife's warning.
Perception vs. Reality
The city's prosperity is seen as a sign of progress, but Curdie perceives the decay and selfishness beneath the surface.
Characters to notice
- Curdie
Arrives at Gwyntystorm, observes the city's decay and self-centeredness, and interacts with the baker and barber, showing his practical wisdom and honesty.
- Lina
Accompanies Curdie into the city, her presence deterring potential troublemakers, and shares his bread.
- The Baker
Trips on a stone, blames the king, and later attempts to use Curdie's pickaxe but fails, revealing his pride and lack of skill.
- The Barber
Demands payment for a broken window, showing his selfishness and lack of concern for others, even his friend the baker.
- The Baker's Wife
Shows kindness to Curdie, warns him about the city's unfriendliness, and sells him better bread, demonstrating her honesty and compassion.
Key passages
“What was a king for if he would not take care of his people’s heads!”
The baker complains that the king should ensure the streets are safe, shifting blame from his own carelessness.
Highlights the baker's expectation of paternalistic governance and lack of personal responsibility.
“Commerce and self-interest, they said, had got the better of violence, and the troubles of the past were whelmed in the riches that flowed in at their open gates.”
The city's inhabitants believe that trade and selfishness have replaced conflict, and they are proud of their wealth and peace.
Illustrates the city's collective self-satisfaction and misplaced priorities.
“Take care of yourself in this place, my son. They do not love strangers.”
The baker's wife warns Curdie to be cautious because the locals are not welcoming to outsiders.
Shows the baker's wife's kindness and the city's insularity.