The Princess and Curdie · Chapter
The Avengers explained
Curdie prepares for a potential assault on the king's chamber, growing anxious as no one from the court has visited.
What happens
Curdie prepares for a potential assault on the king's chamber, growing anxious as no one from the court has visited. He leaves to check on Lina, who has gathered forty-nine creatures from the wood to aid them. They work together to enlarge a hole and create a bridge to move the creatures into the cellar. Curdie then finds a new route to the king's chamber through the colonel's room, and warns the servants one last time before returning to the princess.
Themes in this chapter
Good vs. Evil
The chapter depicts the gathering of Curdie's forces (the creatures) to oppose the evil forces threatening the king.
Sacrifice and Service
Curdie risks his safety to protect the king, and the housemaid shows bravery and loyalty despite the danger to herself.
Characters to notice
- Curdie
Anxious about the king's safety, he orchestrates the movement of the creatures into the cellar and finds a new route to the king's chamber.
- Lina
Successfully gathered the forty-nine creatures from the wood and helps guide them through the passage.
- Princess Irene
Stays with the king, expressing fear at the unusual stillness and darkness.
- The Servants
The housemaid helps Curdie, having been imprisoned for her loyalty. She shows him a secret way to the king's chamber.
- The Colonel
Found asleep in his room, Curdie recognizes him as a good and honest man by the feel of his hand.
Key passages
“There was nothing now to be dreaded from Dr. Kelman, but it made Curdie anxious, as the evening drew near, to think that not a soul belonging to the court had been to visit the king, or ask how he did, that day.”
Although Dr. Kelman was no longer a threat, Curdie worried that the court's neglect of the king signaled a more serious attack was coming.
Highlights Curdie's growing concern for the king's safety.
“The place was swarming with creatures—animal forms wilder and more grotesque than ever ramped in nightmare dream.”
The dungeon was full of strange and terrifying creatures that Lina had gathered.
Describes the arrival of the creatures who will serve as avengers.
“His heart beat for joy, for he had found a good, honest human hand.”
Curdie was relieved and happy to find that the colonel was a trustworthy person.
Shows Curdie's ability to judge character by touch.