On a Pincushion · Concepts
Concepts
Ideas that structure On a Pincushion by Mary De Morgan — linked to characters, chapters, and questions.
Vanity and Self-Obsession
The book repeatedly warns against vanity, as seen in Lamorna's narcissistic admiration of her own reflection, which leads to the theft of her image, and in the Queen's obsessive pride in her hair, which results in its loss.
Love and Sacrifice
Love is portrayed as requiring sacrifice and often leads to tragedy, as in the doomed romance between the Sunbeam and Moonbeam, who perish rather than be separated, and in Erick's unrequited love for the vain Lamorna.
Consequences of Greed and Discontent
The villagers' greed for cheap shoes from the old peddlar brings famine, fever, and the disappearance of children, illustrating how discontent and disloyalty lead to communal ruin.
Appearance vs. Reality
The book contrasts outer beauty with inner worth, as in the toy Princess who looks real but lacks genuine emotion, and the Brooch and Shawl-pin who judge each other by their surface qualities while ignoring their own limitations.
Magic and Moral Lessons
Magical elements—such as the water elves, magic candles, and enchanted seeds—serve as vehicles for moral instruction, rewarding good behavior (Blanchelys) and punishing pride or greed (Lamorna, the Queen).
Social Class and Worth
The pincushion objects argue about their value based on past use and appearance, while stories like 'The Seeds of Love' and 'Siegfrid and Handa' explore how true worth is tied to character and kindness, not birth or status.
Jealousy and Rivalry
Jealousy drives conflict, as seen in Zaire's resentment of Blanchelys's happiness and the Bracelets' chattering superiority over the pincushion items, highlighting how envy undermines relationships.
Nature and the Supernatural
The natural world is intertwined with supernatural beings—water elves, sun and moon fairies, and talking animals—who influence human fate, emphasizing a universe where nature and magic are deeply connected.
