# The Little Miner explained — The Princess and the Goblin

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

## What happens

After three days of rain, Princess Irene and her nurse Lootie venture up the mountain. They stay out too long, and as sunset approaches, Lootie panics and runs home with Irene. They encounter Curdie, a miner boy, who helps them safely back. Irene promises Curdie a kiss, but Lootie prevents it, arguing that a princess must not kiss a miner boy. Irene insists on keeping her word, but Lootie drags her inside, leaving Curdie behind.

## Themes in this chapter

### Trust and Belief

Irene trusts Curdie's promise to return, while Lootie distrusts him due to his social status, highlighting contrasting beliefs.

### Social Class and Prejudice

Lootie's refusal to let Irene kiss Curdie because he is 'only a miner-boy' underscores class prejudice.

### Courage vs. Fear

Curdie shows courage by confronting the goblin creature, while Lootie is driven by fear of the king and the dark.

## Character check-ins

### Princess Irene

Irene insists on keeping her promise to kiss Curdie, showing her sense of honor and integrity despite Lootie's objections.

### Lootie

Lootie is terrified of being caught out after sunset and prevents Irene from kissing Curdie, revealing her fear of the king's displeasure and her prejudice against miners.

### Curdie

Curdie rescues Irene and Lootie from a goblin creature on the path, sings a rude song to scare it, and respectfully accepts Irene's promise of a kiss for another time.

## Key lines

> A princess mustn't give kisses. It's not at all proper.

Lootie tells Irene that it is improper for a princess to kiss a miner boy.

_Reflects social class prejudice and Lootie's attempt to enforce decorum._

> Nurse, a princess must not break her word.

Irene asserts that keeping a promise is more important than social rules.

_Highlights Irene's integrity and the theme of trust._

> He's a good boy, and a brave boy, and he has been very kind to us.

Irene defends Curdie's character to Lootie.

_Shows Irene's appreciation and the theme of judging by actions rather than status._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_princess_and_the_goblin_se/chapters/vi-the-little-miner
- 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