XII: The Sorry-Present and the Expelled Little Boy explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Family and Separation

  The children's fear of losing Old Nurse and their efforts to show love before it's too late.

• Sacrifice and Selflessness

  The children delay hearing Cyril's idea to create a sorry-present for Old Nurse, prioritizing her feelings.

• Power of Knowledge and History

  The Learned Gentleman credits the Amulet with granting him deep knowledge of ancient civilizations.

Characters to notice

• Cyril

  Suggests that searching the Past for the Amulet is futile; helps create the sorry-present.

• Robert

  Objects to the idea of penance but agrees; paints poppies on the testimonial.

• Anthea

  Proposes the sorry-present for Old Nurse; leads the visit to the Learned Gentleman in the future.

• Jane

  Anxious about Old Nurse's death; urges the group to return home.

• Old Nurse

  Receives the sorry-present with joy; later revealed to have died in the future timeline.

• The Learned Gentleman

  Now old and successful; reveals that Old Nurse has died and that the Amulet brought him fame and knowledge.

• The Psammead

  Explains the nature of prophetic vision and memory to Anthea.

Key passages

• “Look here, I really have got it.”

  Cyril announces he has an important idea.

  Cyril reveals his plan about the Amulet.

• “We do love you so, and we've made you a picture to show you how we love you.”

  Anthea expresses their affection and presents the testimonial to Old Nurse.

  The children give their sorry-present.

• “Of course, I left when your old Nurse died and—what's the matter!”

  The Learned Gentleman mentions Old Nurse's death, shocking the children.

  Revelation of Old Nurse's fate in the future.