The Princess and Curdie · Chapter
XIV: The Dogs of Gwyntystorm explained
Curdie and Lina arrive in Gwyntystorm, where the town's dogs attack them.
What happens
Curdie and Lina arrive in Gwyntystorm, where the town's dogs attack them. Curdie kills a bulldog, and Lina kills a mastiff, provoking the butchers' anger. The townspeople, fearing Lina's appearance, shut their doors and throw things at Curdie when he seeks lodging. A brave little girl leads them to her grandmother's house, where they find refuge. The townspeople gossip about Curdie's hammer and his strange companion.
Themes in this chapter
Perception vs. Reality
Lina's frightening appearance causes the townspeople to see her as a devil, while her actions show loyalty and gentleness.
Community vs. Individualism
The townspeople's collective fear and rejection contrast with the old woman's individual act of kindness.
Characters to notice
- Curdie
Defends himself and Lina against the dogs, shows restraint and kindness, and accepts the old woman's hospitality.
- Lina
Protects Curdie from the mastiff, crunches a stone thrown at her, and is gentle with the little girl.
- Barbara
The brave little girl who approaches Curdie and Lina, leads them to her grandmother's house, and rides on Lina.
- Old Mother Wotherwop
The grandmother who welcomes Curdie and Lina, showing wisdom and kindness despite the townspeople's suspicion.
Key passages
“The steep street led them straight up to a large marketplace, with butchers’ shops, about which were many dogs.”
The road climbed to a big square filled with butcher shops, and many dogs were around.
Sets the scene for the conflict with the dogs.
“When Curdie saw the dogs coming he heaved up his mattock over his shoulder, and was ready, if they would have it so.”
Curdie raised his pickaxe, ready to fight if the dogs attacked.
Shows Curdie's readiness to defend himself.
“The moment she saw her master in danger she seemed to go mad with rage.”
Lina became furious the instant Curdie was threatened.
Highlights Lina's loyalty and protective nature.
“The butchers not liking the look either of them or of the dogs at their feet, drew back, and began to remonstrate in the manner of outraged men.”
The butchers, intimidated by Curdie and Lina, stepped back and complained indignantly.
Shows the townspeople's fear and anger.
“But the people in the house, instead of opening the door, threw things at him from the windows.”
Instead of letting him in, the inn's occupants pelted him with objects from above.
Illustrates the town's hostility toward strangers.
“The moment her door was shut, the other doors began to open, and soon there appeared little groups about here and there a threshold.”
As soon as the old woman closed her door, others cautiously emerged from their homes.
Shows the townspeople's curiosity and cowardice.