# Miss Chapman — The Getting of Wisdom character guide

> Miss Chapman in The Getting of Wisdom by Henry Handel Richardson.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Elderly Miss Chapman, Only good old Chapman

**First appearance:** 0005-iii

## Snapshot

The school's one gentle elder, whose mild regret over Laura's slipping diligence stings more than any governess's sarcasm could.

## Who they are

Among the mistresses at the Ladies' College, Miss Chapman stands apart for the warmth she shows Laura, supervising evening lessons with a kindness the girl rarely meets elsewhere. Yet even her soft remark that little Laura is growing perky and lazy lands like a verdict, proof that Laura's cleverness is crumbling under scrutiny. Her quiet disappointment shadows Laura's early attempts to sharpen her wits, making the classroom a place where approval must be earned rather than assumed.

## In the story

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_getting_of_wisdom_se/chapters/v)

The head governess, less severe than Miss Day, who directs Laura to Miss Zielinski.

### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_getting_of_wisdom_se/chapters/vi)

Miss Chapman supervises Laura's lessons and letter-writing time.

### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_getting_of_wisdom_se/chapters/vii)

An elderly governess who shows some kindness by excusing Laura from early practice and defending her diligence.

### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_getting_of_wisdom_se/chapters/xi)

Gentle governess who defends Laura and dreams of having her own room.

### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_getting_of_wisdom_se/chapters/xxii)

Kindly governess who informs Laura of the room change and tries to soothe her resistance.

### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_getting_of_wisdom_se/chapters/xxv)

Miss Chapman is distracted during Laura's farewell, giving orders while shaking hands.

## Links

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- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_getting_of_wisdom_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_getting_of_wisdom_se/characters