# A Popular Schoolgirl — Themes

> Major themes in A Popular Schoolgirl by Angela Brazil.

## Social Class and Status

The book explores the anxiety and humiliation of downward social mobility through Ingred's family losing their grand home, Rotherwood, and her bitter jealousy of Bess, who now lives there and enjoys the status Ingred once had.

### Where it surfaces

- [The End of the Holidays](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_popular_schoolgirl_se/chapters/i-the-end-of-the-holidays): The family's fall from wealth and the social implications of losing Rotherwood are central to the chapter.
- [Opening Day](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_popular_schoolgirl_se/chapters/ii-opening-day): Ingred's pride and humiliation over losing Rotherwood reflect her concern about social standing among her peers.
- [Wynch-on-the-Wold](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_popular_schoolgirl_se/chapters/iii-wynch-on-the-wold): Ingred feels slighted by former friends due to her family's financial decline and loss of Rotherwood, highlighting social competition.
- [IV: Intruder Bess](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_popular_schoolgirl_se/chapters/iv-intruder-bess): Ingred's resentment toward Bess is rooted in the loss of her family home, Rotherwood, highlighting class and status anxieties.
- [V: The Fifth-Form Fête](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_popular_schoolgirl_se/chapters/v-the-fifth-form-f-te): Bess's grapes from Rotherwood and Ingred's resentment over lost family property underscore class tensions.
- [XI: On Strike](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_popular_schoolgirl_se/chapters/xi-on-strike): Ingred's humiliation is tied to her family's loss of wealth and car, while Bess's car offers her social advantage and popularity.

## Friendship and Rivalry

Ingred's initial attraction to Bess turns into jealous rivalry when she learns Bess lives at Rotherwood, creating conflict between her desire for friendship and her wounded pride.

### Where it surfaces

- [Opening Day](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_popular_schoolgirl_se/chapters/ii-opening-day): The formation of the Foursome League highlights the importance of friendship and mutual support among the hostel girls.
- [VIII: An Unpleasant Experience](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_popular_schoolgirl_se/chapters/viii-an-unpleasant-experience): The three girls stick together through the mishap, supporting each other and sharing the blame.
- [A Hostel Frolic](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_popular_schoolgirl_se/chapters/ix-a-hostel-frolic): The Foursome League sticks together through thick and thin, supporting each other in daily routines and collaborating to win the dormitory competition.
- [XI: On Strike](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_popular_schoolgirl_se/chapters/xi-on-strike): The rivalry between Ingred and Beatrice, and Ingred's rejection of Bess's friendship, highlight tensions in school relationships.
- [XIV: The Peephole](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_popular_schoolgirl_se/chapters/xiv-the-peephole): The Foursome League's reunion highlights their camaraderie, shared experiences, and playful teasing, while indoor gym contests foster friendly competition.
- [Bess at Home](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_popular_schoolgirl_se/chapters/xviii-bess-at-home): Ingred's transformation from rival to close friend with Bess, overcoming past animosity.

## Community and Belonging

The boarding school hostel fosters a 'spirit of the hive,' and the school's new Council, Rainbow League, and form competitions emphasize the value of working together for the common good.

### Where it surfaces

- [The End of the Holidays](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_popular_schoolgirl_se/chapters/i-the-end-of-the-holidays): Ingred's anxiety about returning to school without the status of Rotherwood reflects her sense of belonging.
- [Opening Day](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_popular_schoolgirl_se/chapters/ii-opening-day): The opening of the new college and the hostel community emphasize a sense of belonging and shared experience.
- [Wynch-on-the-Wold](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_popular_schoolgirl_se/chapters/iii-wynch-on-the-wold): Ingred experiences the 'spirit of the hive' in the hostel and finds comfort in her new roommates, despite initial reluctance.
- [VI: The School Parliament](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_popular_schoolgirl_se/chapters/vi-the-school-parliament): Form clubs (e.g., Pioneers, Amazons) create a sense of identity; the Rainbow League aims to unite girls for collective service.
- [VII: Hockey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_popular_schoolgirl_se/chapters/vii-hockey): The Rainbow League brings girls together for a common charitable purpose, and the hockey team and spectators share a strong sense of school spirit and mutual support.
- [A Hostel Frolic](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_popular_schoolgirl_se/chapters/ix-a-hostel-frolic): The hostel's Thursday night entertainments foster a sense of community, with girls from different dormitories coming together to enjoy the performances.

## Duty and Citizenship

The headmistress and Sir James Hilton's speech stress training girls to be responsible citizens, with the Rainbow League and war orphans' fund illustrating service to the nation and community.

### Where it surfaces

- [VI: The School Parliament](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_popular_schoolgirl_se/chapters/vi-the-school-parliament): Ingred is reminded of her obligations as warden; Lispeth emphasizes the duty of schoolgirls to help rebuild the nation.

## Personal Growth and Self-Control

Ingred struggles with her temper, pride, and jealousy, learning through conflicts with teachers and peers to curb her passionate nature and listen to her 'higher guides.'

### Where it surfaces

- [IV: Intruder Bess](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_popular_schoolgirl_se/chapters/iv-intruder-bess): Ingred struggles with jealousy and prejudice, failing to listen to her inner voice of generosity, showing her need for personal growth.
- [X: The Whispering Stones](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_popular_schoolgirl_se/chapters/x-the-whispering-stones): Quenrede's struggle to find her identity after school; Athelstane's attempt to focus on studies amid distractions.
- [Brotherly Breezes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_popular_schoolgirl_se/chapters/xv-brotherly-breezes): Ingred matures by choosing to sacrifice her beloved dog for her brother's education, reflecting self-control and family duty.
- [The Rivals](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_popular_schoolgirl_se/chapters/xvii-the-rivals): Ingred struggles with her temper and jealousy, but ultimately acts selflessly to rescue Bess.
- [The Nun's Walk](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_popular_schoolgirl_se/chapters/xix-the-nun-s-walk): Ingred's argument about manners and truthfulness leads to a lesson from Mother about balancing honesty with kindness and self-control.
- [Under the Lanterns](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_popular_schoolgirl_se/chapters/xx-under-the-lanterns): Ingred must balance her enjoyment of the dance with her responsibility to uphold school rules, choosing to send her brother away to avoid trouble.

## Competition and Emulation

The school's mark system, form clubs (like 'The Pioneers'), and the Parliament foster friendly rivalry, with Miss Burd arguing that emulation motivates effort and builds character.

### Where it surfaces

- [V: The Fifth-Form Fête](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_popular_schoolgirl_se/chapters/v-the-fifth-form-f-te): Ingred's jealousy of Bess's attention and the rivalry between forms (V a vs. V b) highlight competitive dynamics.
- [VI: The School Parliament](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_popular_schoolgirl_se/chapters/vi-the-school-parliament): The marks system and cup competition foster friendly rivalry among forms, as Miss Burd defends emulation as a motivator.
- [VII: Hockey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_popular_schoolgirl_se/chapters/vii-hockey): The hockey match against the Clinton Old Girls' Association is a central event, with the team striving to uphold the school's reputation and win despite strong opponents.
- [The Rivals](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_popular_schoolgirl_se/chapters/xvii-the-rivals): Ingred's jealousy of Bess's popularity, musical talent, and social standing drives much of the chapter's conflict.
- [The Nun's Walk](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_popular_schoolgirl_se/chapters/xix-the-nun-s-walk): Tennis practice and the hope of future tournaments drive the girls to improve, with Nora emerging as a standout player.

## Resilience in Adversity

The Saxon family copes with losing Rotherwood and adjusting to a smaller bungalow, with Mrs. Saxon's optimism and love of nature providing a model for facing hardship cheerfully.

### Where it surfaces

- [The End of the Holidays](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_popular_schoolgirl_se/chapters/i-the-end-of-the-holidays): The Saxon family faces financial ruin and loss of home but resolves to support each other and 'keep the colors flying.'
- [Wynch-on-the-Wold](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_popular_schoolgirl_se/chapters/iii-wynch-on-the-wold): Ingred and her family adapt to their reduced circumstances, finding joy in simple pleasures like the garden and home life.
- [VII: Hockey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_popular_schoolgirl_se/chapters/vii-hockey): Ingred steps up to play when Rachel Grant is called away, and the team remains determined to win despite the setback and the strength of the opposing team.
- [VIII: An Unpleasant Experience](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_popular_schoolgirl_se/chapters/viii-an-unpleasant-experience): Despite missing the train, losing their tickets, and getting lost, the girls find a way to get help and reach safety.
- [A Hostel Frolic](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_popular_schoolgirl_se/chapters/ix-a-hostel-frolic): Despite the challenges of limited resources and last-minute planning, the Foursome League successfully stages an impromptu play, showing adaptability and teamwork.
- [X: The Whispering Stones](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_popular_schoolgirl_se/chapters/x-the-whispering-stones): Mrs. Saxon's cheerful optimism and the family's efforts to find joy in nature and walks despite their reduced circumstances.

## Art and Music as Connection

Music and art serve as bridges between characters, as seen in Ingred and Bess's shared love of violin and piano, and in the creative projects of the Rainbow League and fancy-dress dance.

### Where it surfaces

- [IV: Intruder Bess](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_popular_schoolgirl_se/chapters/iv-intruder-bess): Music is a central theme: Ingred's piano lesson with Dr. Linton and her sensitivity to Bess's gentle voice illustrate art as a means of connection.
- [V: The Fifth-Form Fête](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_popular_schoolgirl_se/chapters/v-the-fifth-form-f-te): The impromptu concert brings together students from different forms, fostering community through shared performance.
- [The Rainbow League](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_popular_schoolgirl_se/chapters/xii-the-rainbow-league): Music and handmade crafts serve as a means of connection, from Ingred's piano performance to the toys created for children, bridging gaps between students and the wider community.
- [Bess at Home](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_popular_schoolgirl_se/chapters/xviii-bess-at-home): Bess's use of the portrait and violin to create a sense of companionship.
- [The Abbey Recital](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_popular_schoolgirl_se/chapters/xxi-the-abbey-recital): Music serves as a bridge between Ingred and Bess, deepening their friendship and connecting them with the community through the recital.

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