The Princess and the Goblin · Chapter
XXIII: Curdie and His Mother explained
Curdie returns home to his parents, still upset with Princess Irene for what he perceives as deception.
What happens
Curdie returns home to his parents, still upset with Princess Irene for what he perceives as deception. His mother encourages him to reconsider his harsh judgment, suggesting that Irene may have been truthful in ways he cannot yet understand. She recounts a personal encounter with goblins and a mysterious protective light, hinting at deeper mysteries. Curdie reveals his theory that the goblins are mining toward the king's house and plans to investigate further.
Themes in this chapter
Trust and Belief
Curdie struggles to trust Irene's account, while his mother argues for belief based on character and unexplained events.
Family and Loyalty
The Peterson family supports one another; Curdie's mother shares a personal story to guide him, reinforcing familial bonds.
Wisdom and Guidance
Curdie's mother provides wisdom, urging him to reconsider his judgment and sharing her own mysterious experience as a lesson.
Characters to notice
- Curdie
Returns home gloomy and conflicted, recounts his adventure, and plans to investigate the goblins' mining direction.
- Princess Irene
Discussed by Curdie and his mother; Curdie doubts her story, but his mother defends her honesty and character.
- Peter Peterson
Curdie's father, listens to the tale and supports his son's investigative plans.
- Mrs. Peterson
Curdie's mother, who urges him to believe Irene and shares her own mysterious encounter with a protective light and bird.
- The Old Lady
Referenced as Irene's grandmother; Curdie dismisses her existence based on the empty garret he saw.
- Lootie
Mentioned as Irene's nurse who is unaware of Irene's actions.
Key passages
“There are other people in the world quite as well worth believing as your own mother.”
Curdie's mother reminds him that trust should be based on character, not just familiarity.
She defends Irene's credibility against Curdie's skepticism.
“Perhaps some people can see things other people can't see, Curdie.”
Curdie's mother suggests that perception may vary between individuals.
She hints at Irene's possible truthfulness and the existence of unseen realities.
“I think I have nearly discovered in what direction the cobs are mining.”
Curdie believes he has figured out the goblins' mining route.
He plans to confirm whether they are tunneling toward the king's house.