The Princess and Curdie · Chapter
XVIII: The King’s Kitchen explained
Curdie and Lina, having secured the poisoned pie, retreat to the cellar to eat it, then wait for the house to quiet.
What happens
Curdie and Lina, having secured the poisoned pie, retreat to the cellar to eat it, then wait for the house to quiet. They explore the servants' hall, kitchen, and sculleries, finding filth, drunkenness, and animal-like servants. Curdie notes the contrast with his mother's clean kitchen. They ascend to the royal quarters, where Lina becomes wary, and Curdie finds a curtained door he believes leads to the king's chamber, entering with Lina guarding the threshold.
Themes in this chapter
Good vs. Evil
Curdie's disgust at the corruption and filth of the palace servants contrasts with his own moral purpose.
Sacrifice and Service
Curdie's mission requires him to endure the unpleasantness of the palace to serve the king and princess.
Characters to notice
- Curdie
Explores the palace, disgusted by the filth and drunkenness, and seeks the king's chamber.
- Lina
Accompanies Curdie, shows fear of frightening someone, and guards the threshold at the king's door.
- The Servants
Found asleep and drunk in the hall and kitchen, with animal-like hands and paws.
- Peter
Referenced in Curdie's memory for his advice about wanting to do right.
Key passages
“He quite expected some of the servants would visit the cellar again that night, but whether it was that they were afraid of each other, or believed more of the butler’s story than they had chosen to allow, not one of them appeared.”
Curdie thought some servants might come to the cellar, but none did, perhaps because they were scared of each other or believed the butler's tale.
Shows the servants' fear and suspicion.
“The mine was a paradise to a palace with such servants in it.”
The mine seemed like a paradise compared to a palace with such corrupt servants.
Highlights the contrast between the honest mine and the corrupt palace.
“He felt as if he should never get out of it, and longed for one glimpse of his mother’s poor little kitchen, so clean and bright and airy.”
He felt trapped in the filth and wished for a glimpse of his mother's clean, bright kitchen.
Emphasizes his longing for purity and home.