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The Princess and Curdie · Theme

Faith and Trust

How The Princess and Curdie develops Faith and Trust.

Curdie must learn to trust the princess's grandmother and the guidance she gives, even when he cannot see or understand her fully. The book emphasizes that faith involves acting on what one believes, not on what one can prove, and that trust in the unseen is essential for doing right.

Where it surfaces

  • III: The Mistress of the Silver Moon

    Curdie must trust the guidance of the old princess and the spinning wheel, even when he does not fully comprehend the lessons.

  • IV: Curdie’s Father and Mother

    Curdie's parents encourage him to trust in the truth of his experience and to keep his promise, even when he doubts.

  • V: The Miners

    Curdie's defense of the possibility that the witch's actions might be good, and his refusal to speak ill without certainty, reflects a theme of trusting in unseen goodness.

  • VII: What Is in a Name?

    Peter and Curdie wait in darkness with unwavering faith in the Lady's return, and Curdie's trust is rewarded with deeper understanding.

  • VIII: Curdie's Mission

    Curdie must trust the princess's vague directions and step into the unknown, showing his faith in her guidance.

  • IX: Hands

    Curdie's parents must trust his account despite their doubts, and Curdie trusts the gift he received.

  • XI: Lina

    Curdie's growing trust in Lina despite her frightening appearance, and his faith in the princess's promise.

  • The Mattock

    Curdie's thoughts of his parents provide a light in his soul that destroys the power of darkness and captivity, showing inner strength and trust.

  • XX: Counterplotting

    Irene must trust Curdie's revelations about Dr. Kelman, and both rely on the guidance of the old princess.

  • XXI: The Loaf

    Irene trusts Curdie and her great-great-grandmother's plan, and the king trusts Irene's words about Curdie.

  • XXII: The Lord Chamberlain

    The king's growing suspicion and refusal to sign without understanding reflects a lack of trust in his officials.

  • XXIII: Dr. Kelman

    The king's suspicion contrasts with the trust Curdie places in the housemaid and the princess's faith in Curdie.

  • The Prophecy

    The king begins to believe in the strange events and the truth of Curdie and Irene's stories, showing a growth in trust.

  • XXVIII: The Preacher

    The people's faith in their religious leaders is shattered, and trust in the king erodes.

  • Barbara

    The colonel's trust in Curdie contrasts with the major's suspicion, highlighting the difficulty of discerning truth amidst lies.

  • XXX: Peter

    Peter's faith in the princess is shaken when he finds her house empty, yet his trust in his son's safety drives him to act.

  • The Sacrifice

    Curdie's unwavering trust in the princess and his willingness to act without instructions demonstrate deep faith.

  • The King's Army

    The king's trust in Curdie and the colonel, and the princess's trust in her pony and the Uglies, highlight faith in allies.