The Princess and the Goblin · Chapter
The Escape explained
Curdie and Princess Irene escape from the goblins' underground domain, guided by Irene's magical thread from her grandmother.
What happens
Curdie and Princess Irene escape from the goblins' underground domain, guided by Irene's magical thread from her grandmother. Along the way, Curdie steals the goblin queen's shoe, revealing her six toes, and they emerge safely into the palace garden. Irene tries to convince Curdie of the thread's reality, but he remains skeptical. She then leads him to meet her grandmother to prove her truthfulness.
Themes in this chapter
Trust and Belief
Irene insists Curdie believe in her grandmother's thread; Curdie remains skeptical despite the successful escape.
Courage vs. Fear
Irene and Curdie face the goblin king and queen, extinguish the torch, and flee through a narrow passage.
Deception and Appearance
Curdie steals the queen's shoe, revealing her six toes—a hidden truth beneath appearances.
Characters to notice
- Curdie
Escapes with Irene, steals the goblin queen's shoe, remains skeptical of the magic thread.
- Princess Irene
Leads the escape using her grandmother's thread, insists on its reality, wants Curdie to believe her.
- The Old Lady
Referenced as Irene's grandmother; her thread guides them; Irene wants Curdie to meet her.
- Lootie
Mentioned as having been left asleep; Irene hopes she won't get into trouble.
- The King
Mentioned as Irene's father; she recalls sitting with him in the garden.
- Glump
Not directly present; no mention in excerpts.
- Harelip
Not directly present; no mention in excerpts.
- Helfer
Not directly present; no mention in excerpts.
- Mrs. Peterson
Not directly present; no mention in excerpts.
- The Captain
Not directly present; no mention in excerpts.
- Sir Walter
Not directly present; no mention in excerpts.
- Nursie
Not directly present; no mention in excerpts.
- Mrs. Housekeeper
Not directly present; no mention in excerpts.
Key passages
“I feel nothing at all”
Curdie cannot sense the magical thread that Irene insists is there.
Highlights the theme of belief versus skepticism.
“Then you must believe without seeing”
Irene tells Curdie that faith is necessary when evidence is lacking.
Emphasizes the theme of trust and belief.
“I can't deny we are out of the mountain, and I should be very ungrateful indeed to deny that you had brought me out of it.”
Curdie acknowledges Irene's role in their escape but still doubts the thread's existence.
Shows Curdie's partial acceptance and ongoing skepticism.
