The Princess and the Goblin · Chapter
The Old Lady and Curdie explained
Irene brings Curdie to meet her grandmother, but Curdie cannot see the old lady or her magical room, only a bare garret.
What happens
Irene brings Curdie to meet her grandmother, but Curdie cannot see the old lady or her magical room, only a bare garret. The old lady comforts Irene, explaining that Curdie is not yet ready to believe. She bathes Irene in a magical silver bath and puts her to bed, assuring her that Curdie has been safely returned home.
Themes in this chapter
Trust and Belief
Curdie's inability to see the old lady highlights the theme of belief versus disbelief, and Irene learns to be patient with those who cannot yet believe.
Wisdom and Guidance
The old lady guides Irene through her disappointment, teaching her the importance of understanding others.
Characters to notice
- Princess Irene
Brings Curdie to her grandmother; is hurt by Curdie's disbelief but learns patience.
- The Old Lady
Appears in a beautiful room with a fire of roses; explains that Curdie cannot see her yet; bathes Irene in a magical bath.
- Curdie
Cannot see the old lady or her room; feels mocked and leaves angrily, but is safely sent home.
Key passages
“People must believe what they can, and those who believe more must not be hard upon those who believe less.”
Everyone can only believe what they are capable of, and those with greater faith should not judge those with less.
The old lady teaches Irene tolerance for Curdie's disbelief.
“Seeing is not believing—it is only seeing.”
Merely seeing something does not automatically make one believe in it.
The old lady explains that Curdie's inability to see her is not a failure of belief.
“There is one thing much more necessary. To understand other people.”
Understanding others is even more important than being understood ourselves.
The old lady advises Irene to focus on empathy rather than frustration.