A Little Princess

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1905

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Summary

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-5

Chapters 6-9

Chapters 10-14

Chapters 15-19

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Tools

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Discussion Questions

Essay Topics

Explain the concept of “the Magic” in the book. How does the idea of “the Magic” intersect with Sara’s ability to imagine?

How does A Little Princess present India, and how do these depictions reflect the mindset of colonization? What attitudes regarding Eastern customs are expressed by Sara, Becky, Mr. Carrisford, and Mr. Carrisford’s secretary?

How do Lavinia’s interactions with Sara reveal different aspects of Sara’s personality? Strengthen your answer with textual support.

How does the concept of social class affect the relationship between Sara and Becky? How does Sara’s theory that a person’s circumstances are “an accident” influence her friendship with Becky?

What role does Ram Dass play in the book? Strengthen your answer with textual support.

Explain the meaning of “a language which is not made of words” (118) in A Little Princess. Why is this concept important in terms of Sara’s life in the attic room?

Which aspects of Sara make Miss Minchin feel secretly uncomfortable? Why is Sara a problem for Miss Minchin?

Compare and contrast the characters of Lavinia and Jessie. How are they similar, and in what ways do they differ?

How do Lottie’s interactions with Sara reveal different parts of Sara’s character? Strengthen your answer with textual support.

10.

What philosophy does A Little Princess convey about the purpose of adversity in life? How does this reflect Victorian ideas?