A Little Princess Summary

"Even if I am only a little girl, I can be as much a princess as I please." A Little Princess challenges us to examine what true nobility and grace mean in the face of life’s trials.

1. True Nobility Lies in Kindness, Not Wealth

Sara Crewe’s life teaches us that a person's worth is not determined by riches but by their capacity for kindness. Her journey starts with privilege, but it is her behavior that defines her.

Sara, born into wealth due to her father's successful diamond mines, uses her resources to help others. Instead of flaunting her wealth, she opts to share and look after her peers and those working at her boarding school. Sara’s caring nature endears her to others, illustrating what it truly means to be noble.

When Sara loses everything after her father’s death, her true character emerges. She does not succumb to bitterness but continues to display an enduring spirit of kindness. Despite being relegated to a servant's life, she befriends and uplifts Becky, the scullery maid, and gives her hope amid harsh conditions.

Examples

• Sara gives gifts to her classmates, including a beloved doll named Emily, without expecting anything in return.
• She befriends Becky and treats her as an equal, even sharing what little food she has.
• Sara provides bread to a starving child on the street, prioritizing the child’s needs over her own.

2. Imagination as a Survival Tool

Sara’s vivid imagination is not just a whimsical trait; it is her shield against the grim realities of her life. She uses it to infuse beauty and joy into unbearable situations.

When confined to her dingy attic, Sara imagines herself in grand surroundings and pretends she is still a princess. This mental strength allows her to persevere and find happiness despite her hardships. She believes in the power of storytelling to create hope and courage, which she uses to comfort others around her.

Sara’s imagination also serves to inspire others. Her tales enrapture Becky and the girls at the boarding school, reminding them to dream and see beyond their current circumstances. It’s Sara’s imagination that helps her maintain a sense of self-worth and hope.

Examples

• In her cold attic, Sara imagines the room as a luxurious palace to help endure the discomfort.
• She narrates exciting, magical stories to Becky, helping her forget her own struggles.
• Sara romanticizes her doll, Emily, pretending it can listen and converse, giving her a sense of companionship.

3. Resilience in the Face of Adversity

Even through crushing hardships, Sara holds onto her dignity and continues to treat others with kindness and respect. Her resilience is a cornerstone of her character.

Once a cherished student, Sara’s life takes a dramatic turn when her father dies, leaving her destitute. Miss Minchin, the headmistress, forces her into servitude, subjecting her to daily humiliation. Despite these challenges, Sara accepts her circumstances with grace and remains optimistic.

Her resilience also inspires those around her. Sara believes in enduring hardship without losing one’s principles, which becomes evident in her interactions. She never returns unkindness with cruelty, making her a quiet hero that others admire.

Examples

• Sara remains polite and composed even when treated cruelly by Miss Minchin.
• As a servant, Sara sacrifices her own well-being to support and encourage Becky.
• Despite suffering hunger, Sara puts aside her own needs to give bread to a hungry child.

4. Friendship Shaped by Equality

Sara forms friendships rooted in equality and mutual respect, a stark contrast to the hierarchies dictated by social and economic status.

Her relationship with Becky illustrates this. Sara never sees Becky as a mere servant but as an equal, inviting her into her world of imagination and camaraderie. Through small acts of kindness toward Becky, Sara strengthens their bond.

Her friendships highlight the importance of treating everyone equally, regardless of their station. Sara also befriends Lottie, a younger, sheltered girl, and Lavinia, a more proud and envious one, showing that friendship does not have to be limited by personality or circumstance.

Examples

• Sara shares her one slice of bread with Becky, valuing their companionship over material needs.
• She comforts and protects Lottie from bullies, taking on a nurturing role.
• Even with Lavinia, who dislikes her, Sara remains composed and respectful.

5. Generosity Has Ripple Effects

Sara’s generosity transforms not only her life but also the lives of those around her. She gives without expecting anything in return, setting an example that inspires others to act selflessly.

Whether it’s sharing food, stories, or simply her positivity, Sara’s actions often bring warmth and hope where there was none. Her selflessness extends even to people she barely knows, as she looks out for the less fortunate on the streets of London.

Ultimately, Sara’s generous nature is rewarded in the most unexpected manner, proving that kindness can lead to meaningful and lasting change.

Examples

• Giving food to the starving child on the street spreads goodwill and humanity.
• Her storytelling brings joy not only to her closest friends but also to other girls at the school.
• Sara’s kindness motivates Mr. Carrisford and Ram Dass to improve her living conditions.

6. Compassion in Unexpected Places

Compassion can come from surprising areas. The story emphasizes how acknowledging others’ struggles can lead to profound connections.

Mr. Carrisford and Ram Dass, strangers to Sara, feel immense empathy for her plight as they observe her from afar. They secretly transform her attic into a cozy haven to help her optimism flourish. Their kindness eventually leads to the discovery of Sara’s true identity.

The novel reminds us that acts of compassion, whether big or small, can change lives in incredible ways. It’s a reminder to look for opportunities to help, even if the recipient is a stranger.

Examples

• Ram Dass secretly decorates Sara’s attic, turning it into a warm and inviting space.
• Mr. Carrisford funds the surprise upgrades, hoping to give Sara comfort without expecting thanks.
• The scullery maid, Becky, also shares with Sara, despite her own destitution.

7. Perseverance Often Leads to Justice

Sara’s story is a testament to the idea that patience and integrity often lead to fairness in the end. Her refusal to bow to despair pays off when she is finally reunited with her inheritance.

Mr. Carrisford’s determination to find Sara demonstrates that persistence can rectify misjudgments. His efforts uncover the truth about her inheritance, allowing her to regain her past comforts and power, which she uses for good.

This part of Sara’s journey reminds readers that while life can be unfair, perseverance often leads to positive outcomes.

Examples

• Sara perseveres, even when Miss Minchin shows outright cruelty toward her.
• Ram Dass never stops advocating for Sara after noticing her harsh circumstances.
• Mr. Carrisford tirelessly pursues avenues to locate Sara.

8. The Power of Gratitude

Sara’s gratitude for small joys sustains her during her struggles and allows her to value blessings even after her fortunes are restored. She exemplifies the positive attitude that gratitude fosters.

Even as she endures hunger and hardship, Sara finds solace in her friendships and her imagination. Later, when her circumstances improve, she does not forget those who supported her or the lessons her past taught her.

Sara’s genuine appreciation for kindness encourages others to extend it. Gratitude becomes a theme that marks her growth as a character and underscores its importance as a life philosophy.

Examples

• Sara remains thankful for Becky’s companionship, crediting her with emotional support.
• When her fortunes change, Sara ensures Becky receives an equally improved life.
• Sara shows gratitude by helping the starving child who reminded her of her past challenges.

9. Dignity Is an Inner Strength

Throughout the novel, Sara demonstrates that dignity is not about outward appearances or circumstances but about self-respect and how one treats others.

Even when Sara becomes a servant, she carries herself with grace, refusing to let her situation diminish her sense of personal worth. Her behavior earns the respect of those who witness her determination and inner beauty.

This inner dignity helps Sara remain true to herself and inspires those around her. It’s a reminder to readers that self-worth doesn’t come from material goods but from character and integrity.

Examples

• Sara endures Miss Minchin’s constant demeaning remarks without lashing out.
• She radiates warmth and poise even in her tattered servant’s garb, earning the admiration of neighbors.
• Her resilience and dignity eventually draw Ram Dass and Mr. Carrisford into her story.

Takeaways

1. Practice kindness and generosity daily, no matter your situation, as it often brings unexpected rewards.
2. Use creativity and imagination as tools to adapt to challenging circumstances and maintain hope.
3. Treat every person with equal respect and dignity, as true nobility comes from character, not wealth or status.