# The Mattock explained — The Princess and Curdie

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_princess_and_curdie_se/chapters/xvi-the-mattock
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_princess_and_curdie_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_princess_and_curdie_se/chapters