# XX: Counterplotting explained — The Princess and Curdie

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

## What happens

Curdie and Princess Irene conspire to protect the king from the treacherous plot against him. Curdie reveals his mission from the old princess, exposes Dr. Kelman as a serpent, and they plan to ensure the king receives only unpoisoned food and wine. Curdie introduces Irene to Lina, and they agree to work together to save the king.

## Themes in this chapter

### Good vs. Evil

Curdie and Irene stand against the evil plot of the doctor and other traitors, embodying the struggle between good and evil.

### Faith and Trust

Irene must trust Curdie's revelations about Dr. Kelman, and both rely on the guidance of the old princess.

### Sacrifice and Service

Curdie risks his safety to serve the king, and Irene devotes herself to her father's care, even at personal cost.

## Character check-ins

### Curdie

Devises a counterplot to protect the king, using his gift to detect treachery and planning to procure safe food.

### Princess Irene

Shows deep love and care for her father, agrees to help Curdie, and bravely accepts the danger.

### The Doctor

Revealed as a serpent-like traitor, poisoning the king's wine and forbidding bread.

### Lina

Introduced to Irene, who shows kindness to the ugly creature, and is trusted to deliver messages.

### The King

Ill and under the influence of poison, but responsive to his daughter's voice.

## Key lines

> Either you must beware of him, or you must doubt your grandmother and me; for I tell you, by the gift she gave me of testing hands, that this man is a snake.

You have to choose between trusting me and your grandmother or being cautious of Dr. Kelman, because my special ability tells me he is treacherous.

_Curdie asserts the truth of his claim based on his supernatural gift._

> Nothing that passes through any hand in the house except yours or mine must henceforth, till he is well, reach his majesty’s lips.

From now on, only you or I should handle anything the king eats or drinks until he recovers.

_Curdie establishes a strict rule to prevent poisoning._

> I believe, from what your grandmother told me, that Lina is a woman, and that she was naughty, but is now growing good.

I think Lina is actually a woman who used to be bad but is now becoming good, as your grandmother hinted.

_Curdie reveals Lina's true nature to Irene._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_princess_and_curdie_se/chapters/xx-counterplotting
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_princess_and_curdie_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_princess_and_curdie_se/chapters