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The Princess and Curdie · Chapter

The Mattock explained

While imprisoned in Gwyntystorm, Curdie waits in the dark, thinking of his parents.

What happens

While imprisoned in Gwyntystorm, Curdie waits in the dark, thinking of his parents. A crowd gathers for his trial, but Lina bursts in, causing chaos and getting them locked in the vault together. Using his mattock, Curdie digs through the floor into a cave below, discovering a passage that leads to a door, offering a potential escape.

Themes in this chapter

  • Faith and Trust

    Curdie's thoughts of his parents provide a light in his soul that destroys the power of darkness and captivity, showing inner strength and trust.

Characters to notice

  • Curdie

    Imprisoned and awaiting trial, he uses his mattock to dig an escape route through the dungeon floor.

  • Lina

    Causes a panic among the townspeople, gets locked in with Curdie, and helps him find a way out by scratching at the floor.

Key passages

  • “the thought, instead of making his dungeon gloomier by the contrast, made a light in his soul that destroyed the power of darkness and captivity.”

    Thinking of his parents brought him inner peace and strength, making his imprisonment bearable.

    Highlights the theme of faith and trust.

  • “for Curdie's hindrances were always his furtherance”

    The obstacles Curdie faced often turned into opportunities for progress.

    Shows Curdie's resourcefulness and positive outlook.

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