# XV: Derba and Barbara explained — The Princess and Curdie

> Chapter companion for The Princess and Curdie by George MacDonald.

## What happens

Curdie, Lina, and their hosts Derba and Barbara are besieged in Derba's house by the authorities of Gwyntystorm, who demand Curdie's surrender and Lina's death. Curdie refuses to hand over Lina, and when the soldiers break in, Lina escapes with a terrifying roar. Curdie surrenders and is taken prisoner, but he manages to free himself from his bonds in the dark cell.

## Themes in this chapter

### Community vs. Individualism

The city's mob mentality and demand for conformity clash with Curdie's individual conscience and his bond with Lina.

### Sacrifice and Service

Derba's willingness to risk her home and safety for strangers, and Curdie's readiness to surrender himself to protect Lina, highlight selfless service.

## Character check-ins

### Curdie

Stays with Derba and Barbara, tells stories, surrenders to the authorities, and later frees himself.

### Lina

Wakes Curdie at night, escapes with a terrifying roar when the soldiers break in.

### Derba

Hosts Curdie and Lina, is anxious about the siege, but shows courage and selflessness.

### Barbara

Sits on Curdie's knee, listens to his stories, and is protected by her grandmother.

## Key lines

> They are much mistaken, if they fancy they could keep Lina and a miner in any house in Gwyntystorm—even if they built up doors and windows.

They are wrong if they think they can trap Lina and a miner in any house in Gwyntystorm, even by sealing all exits.

_Curdie expresses confidence in their ability to escape any confinement._

> I surrender; but I’m not going to do your hangman’s work. If you want my dog, you must take her.

I give myself up, but I won't be the one to kill my dog. If you want her, you'll have to catch her yourself.

_Curdie refuses to betray Lina, even when surrendering._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_princess_and_curdie_se/chapters/xv-derba-and-barbara
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_princess_and_curdie_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_princess_and_curdie_se/chapters