The Princess and the Goblin · Chapter
Irene Behaves Like a Princess explained
After waking from a deep sleep, Princess Irene is confronted by her nurse Lootie and a crowd of servants who believed she was lost.
What happens
After waking from a deep sleep, Princess Irene is confronted by her nurse Lootie and a crowd of servants who believed she was lost. Lootie accuses Irene of hiding and lying, but Irene calmly defends herself, refusing to speak further when disbelieved. She requests the housekeeper's protection and then appeals to Sir Walter, the captain of the gentlemen-at-arms, to take charge of her until her father arrives. Sir Walter offers to send for the king, but Irene ultimately chooses to keep Lootie as her nurse after Lootie breaks down in distress, demonstrating maturity and forgiveness.
Themes in this chapter
Trust and Belief
Irene's insistence on being believed and Lootie's refusal to trust her words highlight the tension between truth and disbelief.
Deception and Appearance
Lootie accuses Irene of lying and hiding, while Irene maintains her honesty; the chapter explores how appearances can lead to false accusations.
Courage vs. Fear
Irene shows courage by calmly standing up to Lootie and the crowd, while Lootie's anger and fear drive her accusations.
Characters to notice
- Princess Irene
Wakes from sleep to face accusations; remains calm and composed, asserting her truth and refusing to argue with Lootie. Demonstrates maturity by choosing to keep Lootie after her distress.
- Lootie
Accuses Irene of hiding and lying, showing anger and fear; later breaks down in distress when Irene considers replacing her.
- Sir Walter
Captain of the gentlemen-at-arms; responds to Irene's request for protection, offers to send for the king, and clears the room at her command.
- Mrs. Housekeeper
Present in the room; hesitates to intervene between Irene and Lootie, but is addressed by Irene for assistance.
Key passages
“When I tell you the truth, Lootie, you say to me 'Don't tell stories': it seems I must tell stories before you will believe me.”
Irene points out the irony that Lootie only accuses her of lying when she tells the truth, implying that Lootie would only believe her if she actually lied.
Highlights the theme of trust and belief, showing Irene's logical reasoning.
“I think, Sir Walter, I will keep Lootie. But I put myself under your care; and you need not trouble my king-papa until I speak to you again.”
Irene decides to retain Lootie as her nurse but places herself under Sir Walter's protection, postponing any need to summon the king.
Demonstrates Irene's forgiveness and maturity in handling the situation.