# The Poet and the Editor explained — The Story of the Treasure Seekers

> Chapter companion for The Story of the Treasure Seekers by E. Nesbit.

## What happens

Oswald and Noël visit the office of the Daily Recorder to sell Noël's poetry. After initial difficulties, they meet the Editor, who buys Noël's poems for a guinea and also pays Oswald five shillings for information about Lord Tottenham. They tour the printing office and later see their story published in a magazine.

## Themes in this chapter

### Creativity and Storytelling

Noël's poetry is the central focus; the Editor values it for its artistic merit, and Noël writes spontaneously for the Editor.

### Childhood Adventure and Imagination

The children's independent trip to London, navigating the city, and their encounter with the Editor is a grand adventure.

### Poverty and Class Consciousness

The children's need for money to restore family fortunes drives their visit; the guinea is a significant sum for them.

## Character check-ins

### Oswald Bastable

Narrates the chapter; accompanies Noël to the Editor; negotiates the sale and provides information about Lord Tottenham.

### Noël Bastable

The poet; sells his poems to the Editor for a guinea; writes a poem for the Editor on the spot.

### Father

Mentioned as taking the Daily Chronicle and having a study.

### Mrs. Leslie

Referenced as a poet and benefactor who gave the children shillings and wished them 'good hunting.'

### Lord Tottenham

Mentioned as a celebrity known to the children; Oswald describes his habits on the Heath.

## Key lines

> I like your poetry very much, young man. I'll give you—let me see; how much shall I give you for it?

The Editor praises Noël's poetry and asks how much he wants for it.

_Shows the Editor's appreciation and willingness to pay for the poems._

> I shall print all your poems, my poet; and now what do you think they're worth?

The Editor commits to publishing Noël's poems and asks for his valuation.

_Highlights the Editor's support for young talent._

> Well, would a guinea meet your views?

The Editor offers a guinea for the poems.

_The sum is a substantial payment for a child's work._

> That's well worth five shillings, and there they are.

The Editor pays Oswald five shillings for the information about Lord Tottenham.

_Demonstrates the value placed on interesting anecdotes for the newspaper._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_story_of_the_treasure_seekers_se/chapters/v-the-poet-and-the-editor
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_story_of_the_treasure_seekers_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_story_of_the_treasure_seekers_se/chapters