The Princess and Curdie · Chapter
The Prophecy explained
Curdie watches over the sleeping king, who is recovering from the doctor's influence.
What happens
Curdie watches over the sleeping king, who is recovering from the doctor's influence. He tells the princess about the doctor's attempt and shows her the crown guarded by Lina. The chambermaid delivers a warning to the servants about their wicked ways, but they mock and assault her, throwing her into the wine cellar. Curdie and Irene share their life stories with the king, who begins to believe in the strange events and feels better.
Themes in this chapter
Good vs. Evil
Curdie and Irene work to protect the king from the doctor's evil influence, while the servants embody corruption and wickedness.
Faith and Trust
The king begins to believe in the strange events and the truth of Curdie and Irene's stories, showing a growth in trust.
Corruption of Power
The servants abuse their positions, stealing and lying, and the doctor's misuse of his role is highlighted.
Characters to notice
- Curdie
Watches over the king, tells his story, and helps the princess.
- Lina
Guards the crown, sleeps with it between her paws, and is sent on an errand.
- Princess Irene
Tends to the king, listens to Curdie's account, and shares her own story.
- The Servants
Mock and assault the chambermaid for delivering a warning.
- The Doctor
Mentioned as having been expelled from the king's chamber.
- Gwyntystorm
The city where the palace is located, with corrupt servants.
Key passages
“How has his Majesty slept?”
How did the king sleep?
Princess Irene asks about the king's condition.
“Quite quietly, answered Curdie; that is, since the doctor was got rid of.”
He slept peacefully after we got rid of the doctor.
Curdie explains that the king slept well once the doctor was gone.
“I stroked his hands, answered Curdie, and took the crown from them; and ever since he has slept quietly, and again and again smiled in his sleep.”
I calmed his hands and removed the crown, and since then he has slept peacefully, even smiling.
Curdie describes how he soothed the king and took the crown.
“You have no conception with what a roar she would spring at my throat.”
You can't imagine how loudly she would roar and attack me.
Curdie warns Irene about Lina's protective behavior.
“I must tell you, whether you believe me or not, she said.”
I have to tell you, even if you don't believe me.
The chambermaid insists on delivering her message.
“If you do not repent of your bad ways, you are all going to be punished—all turned out of the palace together.”
If you don't change your evil behavior, you'll all be punished and thrown out of the palace.
The chambermaid delivers the prophecy of punishment.
