# Appearance vs. Reality in On a Pincushion

> Theme guide for On a Pincushion by Mary De Morgan.

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.

## Where it surfaces

- [A Toy Princess](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_a_pincushion_se/chapters/a-toy-princess): The toy princess perfectly mimics Ursula's appearance, deceiving the court while the real Ursula lives a different life.
- [Through the Fire](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_a_pincushion_se/chapters/through-the-fire): Fireland appears beautiful with jewel-like flames and fireworks, but the Princess's deep sadness reveals a hidden sorrow beneath the dazzling surface.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_a_pincushion_se/themes/appearance_vs_reality
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_a_pincushion_se/themes