The Princess and the Goblin · Chapter
What the Nurse Thought of It explained
Princess Irene returns from visiting her great-grandmother and tells her nurse about the experience.
What happens
Princess Irene returns from visiting her great-grandmother and tells her nurse about the experience. The nurse refuses to believe her, accusing her of making up stories. Irene is deeply hurt by the lack of trust, but eventually the nurse apologizes and promises to go with her to see the old lady.
Themes in this chapter
Trust and Belief
The central conflict of the chapter: Irene's nurse refuses to believe her account of meeting her great-grandmother, causing Irene deep distress and highlighting the importance of trust.
Deception and Appearance
The nurse accuses Irene of telling stories, mistaking her truthful account for deception, while Irene's genuine honesty is contrasted with the nurse's assumption of falsehood.
Characters to notice
- Princess Irene
Tries to share her experience with her nurse but is hurt by the nurse's disbelief; shows maturity by forgiving and seeking reconciliation.
- Nursie
Disbelieves Irene's story, becomes cross, but later feels remorse and apologizes, promising to go with Irene to see her grandmother.
Key passages
“Why, where can you have been, princess? ... It's very unkind of you to hide away so long.”
The nurse scolds Irene for disappearing, expressing worry but also frustration.
Shows the nurse's initial concern mixed with irritation.
“You don't believe me, then! exclaimed the princess, astonished and angry, as she well might be.”
Irene is shocked and angry that her nurse doubts her truthful account.
Highlights Irene's hurt at being disbelieved.
“I will give you a kiss and go to sleep.”
Irene decides to forgive her nurse despite the hurt, showing her generous spirit.
Demonstrates Irene's capacity for forgiveness and emotional maturity.