Memoirs of a Midget
The central figure, reflecting on their identity and experiences as a midget.
I
The narrator reflects on a false newspaper account of her life and shares memories of her childhood in Kent.
II
Reflects on her childhood, her size, her love of solitude in the garden, and her relationship with her parents and grandfather.
III
Recounts her early lessons, solitary studies, and moral awakenings.
IV
Reflects on her mother's death, attempts to manage the household, and feels increasingly isolated from her father.
V
Reflects on her father's death, her stubbornness, and her decision to reject Miss Fenne's offer, choosing independence.
VI
The narrator experiences solitude, a storm, and a dream; reflects on her twentieth birthday and the sale of her family's possessions.
VII
The narrator experiences a mix of sorrow and anticipation as she leaves Beechwood, reflecting on memories and her uncertain future.
Beechwood
The narrator observes and recounts the life at Beechwood, providing insights into the characters and their relationships.
VIII
Arrives at Beechwood, meets Mrs. Bowater, and begins to settle into her new lodgings; feels the strangeness and solitude of her situation.
IX
Describes her daily life, Sunday rituals, and secret scrutiny of passersby; reflects on her mother's memory and her own solitude.
The Night Watch and the Return of Fanny
The narrator recounts her secret stargazing expeditions, her fear of being discovered, and her complex feelings about Fanny's return.
XI
Ill and remorseful after her nighttime adventure, the narrator is confronted by Fanny and later receives gifts, struggling with pride and attraction.
XIII
The narrator experiences intense emotions of love, obsession, and self-reproach during the nocturnal encounter.
XIV
Reflects on Fanny's beauty and her own infatuation; hosts Mr. Crimble for tea and probes his feelings.
XV
Hosts the New Year's Eve vigil, reads Wuthering Heights to Fanny, and is left heartbroken by her departure.
XVI
Suffers from lovesickness and humiliation; ventures into town and is chased by a crowd.
XVII
Reflects on her experience in the High Street, her conversation with Mr. Crimble, and her quiet life at Beechwood.
Wanderslore
The narrator visits Wanderslore and reflects on the strange environment.
XVIII
The narrator reads Fanny's letters in the garden, reflects on her feelings for Fanny, and hides the secret letter under a stone.
XIX
Visits Lady Pollacke's home, feels out of place, and is pressured to recite poetry.
XX
Delivers Fanny's message to Mr. Crimble, reflects on love and deception, and shares an evening with Mrs. Bowater.
XXI
Writes to Fanny, reflects on her own worthlessness, and finds solace in nature at Wanderslore.
XXII
The narrator recounts her first meeting with the stranger, describing his appearance, voice, and the profound effect he has on her.
XXIII
Struggles with Mrs. Bowater's questions about the Stranger's gentility; feels adrift after Fanny's letter but is cheered by Sir Walter's gift and Lady Pollacke's invitation.
XXIV
The narrator is the focal point of the tea party, delivering a pot to Sir Walter, reciting a poem, and engaging in conversation with Mrs. Monnerie and others.
XXV
Reflects on her own complications with Mrs. Monnerie and the stranger, feels lonely when Mrs. Bowater is distant, and longs for Fanny's return.
XXVI
The narrator reflects on her small stature, keeps a tryst with Mr. Anon, and rebuffs his declaration of love.
XXVII
Struggles with pride and regret after quarreling with the stranger; flees into the night to find him and forgive him; feels hardened and impatient with others' troubles.
XXVIII
Reflects on Mr. Anon's teachings, feels a mix of affection and hatred toward Mrs. Bowater, and experiences a sense of otherness.
Lyme Regis
The narrator observes the scenery and social interactions at Lyme Regis, reflecting on personal feelings of solitude.
XXIX
Recovers from a collapse, receives Fanny's book and secret note, learns of Mr. Crimble's death, and travels to Lyme Regis.
The Inquest
Reads the newspaper account of Mr. Crimble's suicide, feels responsible, and writes to Mr. Anon for help.
XXXI
Returns to Beechwood with Mrs. Bowater, discovers violets and a locked money box, and later meets Fanny in the garden at night.
London
The narrator arrives in London, feeling lost and observing the city's vastness and impersonality.
XXXIII
Recalls Mr. Crimble's suicide and shares details with Susan Monnerie; reflects on her own past and her growing friendship with Susan.
XXXV
Returns to Beechwood, feels changed and disoriented by her London stay, reads Fanny's letter with mixed emotions.
XXXVI
Returns to Beechwood Hill and confronts Mr. Anon about his gloominess and their strained relationship.
XXXVII
Reflects on her past self and her transformation in London society, feeling detached from her former identity.
XXXVIII
Writes to Mr. Anon, hosts Fanny's visit, worries about finances, and discusses Fanny's prospects with Mrs. Monnerie and Susan.
XXXIX
The narrator meets with Sir Walter, shows him the letter about Shares, and has a deep conversation with Fanny about secrets and friendship.
XL
Broods over her jealousy and insignificance, receives a marriage proposal, and confronts Susan about Fanny's betrayal.
XLI
The narrator is humiliated and defiant, performs at luncheon, destroys Mr. Anon's letter, and visits a church to reflect.
XLII
Feels friendless, penniless, and hostile; reflects on her failure to profit from Mrs. Monnerie's social opportunities; hides behind a bureau to listen to conversations.
Monks’ House
The narrator describes their life at Monks’ House and their mother's illness.
XLIV
The narrator, now of age, suffers the consequences of her drunkenness, is exiled to Monk's House, and wrestles with self-loathing and a desire for revenge.
XLV
The narrator dreams of being a soldier, then awakens to a resolve to redeem herself through self-exhibition, inspired by Fanny's courage.
XLVI
Disguises herself as the Signorina Donna Angélique, performs at the circus, and experiences a moment of self-surrender and triumph.
XLVII
Performs as the Signorina, loses her watch, reflects on her identity and longing for the stranger, resolves to find Wanderslore.
XLVIII
Confronted by Fanny in the garden; accused of betrayal; resolves to flee Monk's House.
XLIX
The narrator engages in a duplicitous performance, feigning jealousy of the Spanish Princess while secretly enjoying the deception. She ultimately refuses to attend the circus, citing moral objections.
Wanderslore
The narrator observes and reflects on the strange environment of Wanderslore, serving as the reader's guide through its mysteries.
L
The narrator is dismissed by Mrs. Monnerie, flees Beechwood, and is rescued by Mr. Anon.
LI
The narrator is the midget performer, excited yet anxious about her circus act, longing for freedom and Mr. Anon's approval.
LII
The narrator is disguised in black and yellow, performing as a freak in the booth, and experiences a profound sense of desolation and self-loathing.
LIII
The narrator drives the cart, tends to Mr. Anon, and experiences horror and exhaustion as he dies.
LIV
The narrator is in a state of extreme physical and emotional distress, wandering the grounds of Wanderslore, consumed by guilt and despair, and ultimately poisoned by deadly nightshade.
Lyndsey
Observes and reflects on Lyndsey and the circus environment.
LV
Reflects on her past self, her mental state, and the lessons learned from a tumultuous year.
Endnotes
The narrator comments on the motto shared with Mrs. Monnerie.
