Study Notes on *A Little Princess* by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Overview of A Little Princess

  • Written by Frances Hodgson Burnett, illustrated by Bob Doucet.

  • Adaptation by Jennifer Bassett.

  • Part of the Original Bookworms Series.

  • Thematic focus on themes of wealth, friendship, resilience, and the transformation from privilege to hardship.

Character Introductions

Sara Crewe

  • A wealthy girl from India, who arrives in England at the age of seven.

  • Described as having long dark hair and green eyes.

  • Initially sad but makes friends at Miss Minchin's school.

  • Thoughtful and imaginative, enjoys storytelling about princesses and kingdoms.

Mr. Crewe

  • Sara's father, who travels to India for work.

  • Describes Sara as being clever and loves her dearly.

  • His death is a pivotal moment in the story that affects Sara's life.

Miss Minchin

  • The headmistress of the school that Sara attends.

  • Initially welcoming to Sara but later reveals her greedy nature when Sara falls from wealth.

  • Known for her strict and unkind behavior towards the girls, especially Sara after she becomes poor.

Lavinia

  • A wealthy girl in the school who becomes jealous of Sara’s new status when Sara's father is rich.

  • Acts as an antagonist, making Sara’s life difficult at school.

Ermengarde

  • Sara's best friend at school, who struggles with her studies and relies on Sara’s storytelling to learn.

  • Represents loyalty and provides emotional support during difficult times.

Becky

  • A servant girl at Miss Minchin's school who befriends Sara.

  • Represents the lower economic class and the struggles that come with it.

Plot Summary

Introduction and Setting

  • Sara is brought to Miss Minchin's School after her father goes to work in India.

  • Initial impressions of England are mixed; she prefers the warmth of India.

  • Sara is introduced to Miss Minchin, who is eager to exploit her father's wealth.

The Initial Joys of Wealth

  • Mr. Crewe spoils Sara with luxurious gifts, leading to envy from other students.

  • Sara enjoys telling stories and finds joy in her friendship with Ermengarde.

The Turn of Fortune - Tragedy Strikes

Mr. Crewe’s Death

  • The death of Mr. Crewe changes Sara's fortune drastically.

  • She learns from a letter that his friend has run away, leaving them impoverished.

  • Miss Minchin informs Sara that she must work as a servant after losing her wealth.

Life as a Servant

  • Sara faces hardship, working from morning until night, while maintaining her dignity.

  • Repeatedly tells herself to be brave and remembers her father's wishes for her happiness.

  • Becomes a kind friend to Becky, sharing whatever small luxuries she can muster.

Friendship and Kindness

  • Despite her situation, Sara remains good-hearted, helping Becky and showing empathy towards others.

  • She continues to tell stories to uplift Becky amidst their struggles.

Mysterious Kindness

New Developments

  • One night, mysterious gifts appear in Sara's attic—food, warm clothing, comforting elements.

  • Sara wonders about the source of these kindnesses.

The Indian Gentleman

  • Mr. Carrisford, a friend of her father's, is recuperating from illness next door.

  • He learns of Sara’s plight through Ram Dass, a lascar servant, and becomes invested in her life.

Recognition and Reunion

Discovery of Identity

  • Mr. Carmichael returns from a search to find Sara, leading to a chance meeting;

  • Sara explains her history, revealing her true identity as Ralph Crewe's daughter.

  • Mr. Carrisford realizes she is the child he has been seeking.

Conclusion and Redemption

  • Sara is rescued from her servitude and taken to live with Mr. Carrisford.

  • Lavinia and Miss Minchin learn Sara's true worth; their previous treatment of her is brought into question.

  • The story highlights themes of resilience, kindness, and the healing power of friendship.

Themes and Implications

  • Resilience in Adversity: Sara teaches readers about maintaining hope and courage during tough times.

  • True Wealth vs. Materialism: The contrast between wealth (money) and true richness (friendship and love).

  • Compassion Across Social Classes: Sara's friendships emphasize understanding and kindness irrespective of socioeconomic status.

Activities and Questions

Before Reading

  • Introduce the characters and major themes.

  • Explore predictions regarding major plot events.

Chapter Discussions

  • Identify character motivations, emotional struggles, and personal growth throughout the narrative.

  • Analyze the socio-economic dynamics between characters and how these influence their relationships.

Vocabulary and Concept Review

  • Define key terms related to wealth, class, and character attributes (e.g., clever, princess, servant).

  • Discuss the significance of each character's journey and their role in Sara's story.

Additional Notes

  • The final moral of the story reveals that one's social status does not determine their character or worth.