The Water-Babies · Chapter
Chapter VI explained
Tom learns from Ellie and the fairies that to reach the beautiful place where Ellie goes on Sundays, he must go where he does not like, do what he does not like, and help someone he does not like—specifically, Mr.
What happens
Tom learns from Ellie and the fairies that to reach the beautiful place where Ellie goes on Sundays, he must go where he does not like, do what he does not like, and help someone he does not like—specifically, Mr. Grimes. Tom resists, becomes prickly and naughty, loses Ellie, and eventually confesses his faults to Mrs. Bedonebyasyoudid. She forgives him and brings a beautiful little girl to teach him, and through her lessons Tom's prickles vanish and his skin becomes smooth again.
Themes in this chapter
Moral Education and Redemption
Tom learns that to reach the beautiful place he must do what he does not like and help someone he does not like; his confession and lessons lead to the removal of his prickles, symbolizing moral growth and redemption.
Punishment and Justice
Tom's naughty tempers cause his body to grow prickly, a direct consequence of his actions; Mrs. Bedonebyasyoudid forgives him upon confession but notes that only he can remove the prickles, illustrating justice and personal responsibility.
Childhood Innocence and Growth
Tom's journey from curiosity and disobedience to confession and learning reflects the growth of a child's character, with Ellie and the fairies guiding his moral development.
Characters to notice
- Tom
Tom is taught by Ellie and the fairies, struggles with the requirement to help Mr. Grimes, becomes prickly due to naughty tempers, confesses his faults, and begins lessons with a new teacher.
- Ellie
Ellie teaches Tom daily, goes home on Sundays to a beautiful place, vanishes after Tom accuses her of wanting to get rid of him, and is sent away by the fairy.
- Mrs. Bedonebyasyoudid
The fairy tells Tom he must go where he does not like and help someone he does not like; she forgives Tom when he confesses and brings a schoolmistress for him.
- Mrs. Doasyouwouldbedoneby
Tom asks her for an easier path but receives the same answer as from her sister; she refuses to cuddle Tom because he is too prickly.
- Mr. Grimes
Tom is told he must go after Mr. Grimes, whom he does not like, as part of his task to reach the beautiful place.
Key passages
“Little boys who are only fit to play with sea-beasts cannot go there. Those who go there must go first where they do not like, and do what they do not like, and help somebody they do not like.”
Children who are only interested in playing cannot enter the beautiful place; they must first go somewhere unpleasant, do unpleasant tasks, and help someone they dislike.
Mrs. Bedonebyasyoudid explains the condition for reaching Ellie's Sunday destination.
“people's souls make their bodies just as a snail makes its shell... when Tom's soul grew all prickly with naughty tempers, his body could not help growing prickly too”
A person's inner character shapes their outer form; Tom's bad temper made his skin become prickly like a sea-egg.
The narrator explains the physical manifestation of Tom's moral state.
“I always forgive everyone the moment they tell me the truth of their own accord.”
I forgive anyone as soon as they honestly confess without being forced.
Mrs. Bedonebyasyoudid states her principle of forgiveness after Tom confesses his misdeeds.