A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Frances Hodgson Burnett
(, Feb. 23, 2019)
A Little Princess, a 1905 novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, began as a short story, but due to its popularity, Burnett expanded the story into a novel. A Little Princess is regarded as one of the best children’s novels of all time. It focuses on themes of perseverance, friendship, and strength of character. The novel’s issues are still relatable today to both children and adults.Captain Ralph Crewe and his daughter, Sara, have arrived in London after living abroad in India. Captain Crewe is quite wealthy and believes a London boarding school education will be the best route for Sara. Sara is being enrolled in Miss Minchin’s Seminary for Young Ladies. Sara is not looking forward to being apart from her father, but she resolves to be brave, as he is. She does not like the school very much when she arrives—Miss Minchin seems to only be nice to her and her father because of money, which Sara sees right through. Sara decides to be happy in the time she has left with her father, and he spoils her with presents, including a doll she names Emily.Sara’s father soon leaves for India. Sara is correct about Miss Minchin, she is only being nice due to the extra payment Sara’s father is supplying for Sara to have extra luxuries. Over time, Miss Minchin begins to resent Sara because she is outgoing, intelligent, and wealthy. Sara makes friends at school, including Ermengarde, who is regarded as unintelligent by others. She also befriends a younger girl named Lottie, who has frequent tantrums. To the surprise of others, Sara also befriends a maid at the school, Becky. Sara hints at her intelligence with her fluent knowledge of French, and the other girls begin to refer to her as a princess. Sara takes it as a compliment—princesses are kind and good in her mind.Soon, it is Sara’s birthday and Miss Minchin throws a large party for her. During the party, Captain Crewe’s lawyer arrives with some unfortunate news. Captain Crewe has died. Beyond that, his most recent venture, an investment into diamond mines, has failed. Sara has been left with nothing. Miss Minchin is furious, as there are bills left unpaid, including the party. Yet, Miss Minchin delights in the fact she can now be openly mean to Sara. Miss Minchin strips Sara of all her belongings, except for a doll and one simple dress. Sara must move to the attic and begin working as a servant to pay off her debts.Everyone begins to treat Sara in a deplorable way, except for Becky. The neighbors, a rich man and his Indian servant, notice Sara and feel badly for her, although they think she is a little odd. Sara survives her subjugation by making up fantastical stories. She pretends she is a prisoner in the Bastille, or a princess who must disguise herself as a servant. She also befriends a rat and speaks with her doll.