# XXIII: Dr. Kelman explained — The Princess and Curdie

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

## What happens

Curdie, with Lina's help, gains the trust of a truthful housemaid and learns the layout of the palace. He confronts the king, who reveals his deep despondency and suspicion of his court. Curdie discovers that the doctor, Dr. Kelman, is poisoning the king nightly. With Lina's aid, he captures the doctor, who is dragged out and left at the lord chamberlain's door. The king, reassured by Curdie, sleeps peacefully, while Irene rests in confidence.

## Themes in this chapter

### Good vs. Evil

Curdie's confrontation with the doctor embodies the struggle between good and evil, with Lina as an instrument of justice.

### Faith and Trust

The king's suspicion contrasts with the trust Curdie places in the housemaid and the princess's faith in Curdie.

### Corruption of Power

The doctor abuses his position to poison the king, and the court's negligence reflects systemic corruption.

## Character check-ins

### Curdie

Takes charge of the king's safety, discovers the doctor's treachery, and uses Lina to subdue him.

### Lina

Acts on Curdie's command, attacking the doctor and dragging him out.

### Princess Irene

Sleeps peacefully, trusting Curdie's watch over her father.

### The Doctor

Revealed as the poisoner, caught in the act and injured by Lina.

### The Servants

The housemaid is truthful and cooperative; others are negligent and cowardly.

### Gwyntystorm

The city is depicted as corrupt and decaying, with the king losing hope.

## Key lines

> It is hard not to be believed just because one speaks the truth, but that seems reason enough with some people.

The housemaid laments that telling the truth often leads to disbelief, as people are more accustomed to lies.

_Highlights the theme of truth versus falsehood in the corrupt palace._

> The main cause of his illness was the despondency with which the degeneration of his people affected him.

The king's sickness stems from his grief over the moral decline of his subjects.

_Connects the king's physical state to the broader societal decay._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_princess_and_curdie_se/chapters/xxiii-dr-kelman
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_princess_and_curdie_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_princess_and_curdie_se/chapters