The Princess and Curdie · Chapter
XV: Derba and Barbara explained
Curdie, Lina, and their hosts Derba and Barbara are besieged in Derba's house by the authorities of Gwyntystorm, who demand Curdie's surrender and Lina's death.
What happens
Curdie, Lina, and their hosts Derba and Barbara are besieged in Derba's house by the authorities of Gwyntystorm, who demand Curdie's surrender and Lina's death. Curdie refuses to hand over Lina, and when the soldiers break in, Lina escapes with a terrifying roar. Curdie surrenders and is taken prisoner, but he manages to free himself from his bonds in the dark cell.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the dramatic climax because it marks the decisive reversal where the king, previously isolated and bet…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Community vs. Individualism
The city's mob mentality and demand for conformity clash with Curdie's individual conscience and his bond with Lina.
- Sacrifice and Service
Derba's willingness to risk her home and safety for strangers, and Curdie's readiness to surrender himself to protect Lina, highlight selfless service.
Characters to notice
- Curdie
Stays with Derba and Barbara, tells stories, surrenders to the authorities, and later frees himself.
- Lina
Wakes Curdie at night, escapes with a terrifying roar when the soldiers break in.
- Derba
Hosts Curdie and Lina, is anxious about the siege, but shows courage and selflessness.
- Barbara
Sits on Curdie's knee, listens to his stories, and is protected by her grandmother.
Key passages
“They are much mistaken, if they fancy they could keep Lina and a miner in any house in Gwyntystorm—even if they built up doors and windows.”
They are wrong if they think they can trap Lina and a miner in any house in Gwyntystorm, even by sealing all exits.
Curdie expresses confidence in their ability to escape any confinement.
“I surrender; but I’m not going to do your hangman’s work. If you want my dog, you must take her.”
I give myself up, but I won't be the one to kill my dog. If you want her, you'll have to catch her yourself.
Curdie refuses to betray Lina, even when surrendering.
