# The Princess Loses Herself explained — The Princess and the Goblin

> Chapter companion for The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald.

## What happens

On a rainy day, Princess Irene, bored and restless, ventures beyond her nursery up an old stairway and through a maze of passages and doors. She becomes lost, panics, but then composes herself and attempts to find her way back. She discovers a narrow stair leading upward, which she begins to climb.

## Themes in this chapter

### Courage vs. Fear

Irene initially panics but then resolves to find her way back wisely, showing bravery despite her fear.

## Character check-ins

### Princess Irene

Gets lost exploring the passages of the house after her nurse leaves the room.

## Key lines

> She threw herself on the floor, and burst into a wailing cry broken by sobs. She did not cry long, however, for she was as brave as could be expected of a princess of her age.

Irene cried out in fear but quickly regained her composure, showing the courage expected of a princess.

_Highlights Irene's resilience and bravery in a frightening situation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_princess_and_the_goblin_se/chapters/ii-the-princess-loses-herself
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_princess_and_the_goblin_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_princess_and_the_goblin_se/chapters