Storytime for Grownups – Episode Summary

Podcast: Storytime for Grownups
Host: Faith Moore
Episode: A Little Princess: Chapter 6
Date: November 17, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Faith Moore continues her spirited and insightful read-through of A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett, focusing on Chapter 6, "The Diamond Mines." True to the podcast’s cozy, familial spirit, Faith not only reads but also pauses to unpack the story, address listener questions, and weave in literary analysis, especially around the themes of generosity, princess symbolism, and social contrasts. This episode is particularly rich in discussion about what it truly means to “be a princess”—literally, metaphorically, and in the language of fairy tales.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Listener Mailbag & The Meaning of "Largesse"

[16:20–26:40]

• Faith opens the content segment by reviewing comments and questions from listeners of all ages, praising their astute literary observations.
  • Kinsey O. (14 years old): Notices Sara's blend of maturity and childishness.
  • pinelikethetree: Shares empathy for Becky’s hard life as a scullery maid, noting the sadness and gratitude in her relationship with Sara.
  • Evelyn (8 years old): Asks about the meaning of "largesse."
  • John: Points out fairy tale allusions, including a reversed Little Mermaid and Sleeping Beauty references.
• Definition of “Largesse”:
  • Faith explains it's "the act of giving things away, generally generously, and not expecting anything in return" ([26:15]).
  • Historically, "it was a ceremonial act by royalty or nobility, often more about show than true compassion."
  • “Sara…wants to pretend that she is a princess and that what she did for Becky is her version of scattering largesse.” ([27:40])

Two Kinds of Princesses—Literal vs. Fairy Tale

[27:45–38:10]

• Faith distinguishes between:
  • The literal princess: rich, spoiled, set apart by wealth—often viewed negatively.
  • The fairy tale princess: a symbol for “goodness, loyalty, generosity, and caring.”
  • Quotes Mariette, Sara’s maid, who says, "Elle a l'air d’une princesse…" highlighting the idea of being a princess because of character, not circumstance ([30:50]).
• Notable Quote:
  • “A princess is also like a way of being… a kind of shorthand or code for a person who is all of those wonderful things” ([33:00]).

Sara’s Creative Pretending—Childish or Profound?

[38:15–42:30]

• Sara’s creativity in pretending to be a princess goes beyond childishness; it inspires her to actually perform kind and grown-up actions.
  • Faith points out, "Her childish pretend... leads to very grown up behavior” ([39:10]).
• The metaphor extends to Sara’s relationships, especially in “pretending” to be Lottie’s mother and offering true comfort and discipline.

The Fairy Tale Lens and Social Commentary

[42:35–52:10]

• John’s observation about fairy tale motifs prompts Faith to dig deeper:
  • Fairy tale references: Sara tells a story similar to a gender-swapped Little Mermaid; Becky’s exhaustion is compared to Sleeping Beauty’s slumber.
  • Quote: “She had really been only about ten minutes in the room when Sara entered, but she was in as deep a sleep as if she had been like the Sleeping Beauty slumbering for a hundred years.” ([45:00])
• Faith argues Burnett uses these allusions to highlight that the “princess” of the novel will be one in spirit, not just in title or wealth.

Sara and Becky—Equality Through Kindness

[52:15–59:55]

• Faith discusses the meaningful relationship between Sara and Becky.
  • "It's just an accident that I am not you and you are not me." – Sara, acknowledging their shared humanity despite social divides ([54:00]).
• Contrasts Sara’s egalitarian worldview with Lavinia’s snobbery.
  • Lavinia: “I do not know whether your mama would like you to tell stories to servant girls, but I know my mama wouldn’t like me to do it.”
  • Sara: “She knows that stories belong to everybody.” ([57:00])
• Highlights Sara's innate kindness: “If nature has made you for a giver, your hands are born open, and so is your heart… your heart is always full, and you can give things out of that.” ([01:12:00])

Memorable Quotes and Moments

Faith Moore ([28:00]):
"A princess in a fairy tale is a very specific thing… not a literal princess, but a symbol that stands for 'perfect girl,' good and loyal and generous and caring—it's a kind of shorthand."

Sara Crewe (read by Faith) ([01:19:00]):
"If you cry, you will be one [a crybaby], Lottie pet. You promised."
(Showing Sara’s gentle but grown-up influence over Lottie.)

Narrator (Frances Hodgson Burnett, read by Faith) ([01:33:30]):
“If nature has made you for a giver, your hands are born open and so is your heart. And though there may be times when your hands are empty, your heart is always full and you can give things out of that.”
(Discussing Sara’s warm, giving nature.)

Chapter 6: "The Diamond Mines" – Key Plot Points

[59:55–1:20:00+]

• Sara's father writes of a new business venture: diamond mines in India, bringing excitement and envy to the school.
• Other girls, especially Lavinia, mock the situation and Sara’s “pretending” to be a princess.
  • Lavinia: "Let us begin to call her 'Your Royal Highness.'" ([01:07:00])
• Sara continues to embody generosity, maintaining composure and dignity even when taunted.
  • Sara: “I pretend I am a princess so that I can try and behave like one.” ([01:07:30])
• Sara and Becky’s friendship deepens; Sara gives practical gifts (like food), listens to Becky’s troubles, and gives her the gift of stories and laughter.
• Becky presents Sara with a handmade pincushion for her birthday, using a recycled card from Miss Amelia Minchin.
  • Sara’s heartfelt reaction: "Oh, Becky… I love you, Becky, I do, I do." ([01:18:45])

Notable Timestamps

• [16:20] – Listener Questions and Comments
• [26:15] – What is “Largesse?”
• [33:00] – Types of Princesses Explained
• [39:10] – Sara’s Pretending as Maturity
• [45:00] – Fairy Tale References in Chapter 6
• [54:00] – Sara and Becky’s Similarities
• [57:00] – Sara’s Egalitarian Spirit
• [01:07:30] – Sara’s Composure Under Mockery
• [01:12:00] – On Being a Natural Giver
• [01:18:45] – Becky’s Birthday Gift to Sara

Conclusion

This episode deepens the fairy-tale analysis of A Little Princess, foregrounding Sara's virtues—especially her kindness across class lines—as the "true" marks of a princess. Faith Moore’s warm, thoughtful narration and discussion invite listeners of every age to reflect on the power of imagination, empathy, and generosity. The chapter’s events—Sara’s moral dilemmas, the mockery she faces, her friendship with Becky, and the excitement around the diamond mines—set the stage for coming drama, while reinforcing the novel’s core message: true nobility springs from kindness, not riches.

Next: Chapter 7 and more discussion on what kind of “princess” Sara must be when circumstances change. Listeners are encouraged to send in thoughts, questions, and reflections to be featured on the show.