Storytime for Grownups – A Little Princess: Chapter 7
Host: Faith Moore
Episode Date: November 20, 2025
Episode Overview
In this episode, Faith Moore continues her special seasonal read-through of A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett with Chapter 7, “The Diamond Mines Again.” The episode blends Faith’s thoughtful literary notes and reflections with a dramatic reading, guiding listeners through the pivotal moment when Sara Crewe’s world is turned upside down—from privileged heiress to penniless orphan. Faith also discusses the evolving themes in the story, answers listener questions, and connects events in the novel to broader ideas in classic literature.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Victorian Christmas Events & Listener Community (00:30–09:00)
- Faith updates listeners on current and upcoming Victorian-themed activities tied to the podcast, such as a Christmas card exchange and a live Q&A event with her father Andrew Klavan and brother Spencer Klavan.
- She encourages listener participation and provides details about submitting questions and joining live events, fostering a warm, interactive community atmosphere.
2. Recap of Chapter 6 (09:00–12:00)
- Faith recaps Sara's life changes:
- Sara’s father invests in diamond mines with an old school friend.
- Sara is known for her princess-like qualities by her peers and staff, especially Becky.
- On Sara’s 11th birthday, she receives gifts from her father (an extravagant doll) and from Becky (a handmade pin cushion), the latter touching her deeply.
3. Listener Questions & Literary Notes (12:00–29:30)
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Time Jump in the Story
- Question from Giada (15): “Was there a time jump? Sara was 7 at the start and turns 11 in chapter six.”
- Faith clarifies a subtle time jump, noting Sara is now 11, transitioning from a little girl to “tween” status, echoing fairy tale archetypes about adolescence.
“It is worth noting that we've had a jump forward in time. Sara is not 7, she's 11. And I think that's important because at this point, we've sort of moved away from that introductory mode…” (13:15)
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Charity and Princessness
- Comment from Patti: Reflects on wishing she had “Sara’s bank account” to bless others, but realizes that kindness doesn’t have to be financial.
- Faith expands on literal vs. fairy tale ‘princess’ qualities, emphasizing kindness and moral fortitude as the true marks of nobility—drawing parallels with classic fairy tales.
“The fairy tale version of being a princess means that you don’t need money… It’s the care and attention behind it. It’s literally the thought that counts. Right?” (19:20)
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Foreboding for Captain Crewe
- Question from Elizabeth: Expresses concern for Captain Crewe due to the ominous letter.
- Faith discusses Burnett’s hints about impending tragedy for Sara and her father, reinforcing that the story is seen through a child’s eyes—Sara is sheltered from financial details and danger until the crisis hits.
“We know only what Sara and the other students know about the diamond mines, which is that they’re mines full of diamonds. Okay? But Captain Crew is dealing with the business side of things…” (24:00)
4. Symbolism of Gifts and Social Status (29:30–34:10)
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The contrasting birthday gifts—luxurious doll vs. handmade pin cushion—illustrate the deeper meanings of generosity and love, not material value.
"This gift from Becky... is more special to Sara than anything she's about to go and open downstairs, even though those gifts are far more grand..." (29:45)
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Burnett's continual questioning of what truly makes one 'a princess': the symbolism of kindness, dignity, and imagination over wealth.
Chapter 7 Reading – Major Moments & Timestamps
Sara’s Birthday Party (34:10–43:30)
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Sara is paraded with great fanfare by Miss Minchin, who is fixated on Sara’s status and wealth.
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Sara bravely asks that Becky be allowed to stay for the party, asserting, “she is a little girl too, you know.” (38:50)
- Miss Minchin’s reply: “Becky is the scullery maid. Scullery maids are not little girls.” (39:10)
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The extravagant doll (“the last doll”) is revealed to universal delight; Sara suggests the magic of supposing and pretending (42:40):
"If you suppose anything hard enough, it seems as if it were real. It’s almost like being a fairy." (42:55)
The Fall – News of Ruin and Death (43:30–58:30)
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Enter Mr. Barrow, bearing devastating news for Miss Minchin:
- The “diamond mines” were a fraud.
- Captain Crewe has died of “jungle fever and business troubles combined”—leaving nothing.
- Sara is now “a beggar,” left in Miss Minchin’s hands.
“He’s dead, ma’am,” Mr. Barrow delivers the news bluntly. (51:45) “Sara is certainly left a beggar… as she hasn’t a relation in the world that we know of.” (53:10)
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Miss Minchin’s selfish fury centers on her own financial loss and the burden of an impoverished pupil. Mr. Barrow advises coldly:
"Better keep her and make use of her… She’s a clever child. I believe you can get a good deal out of her as she grows older." (57:12)
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Becky, hiding under the table, is heartbroken for Sara and pleads to help care for her:
"Please, would you let me wait on her now she’s poor? …Oh, breaking out afresh. Poor little Miss Sara, Mum. That was called a princess." (1:01:05)
Sara’s Ordeal and Defiance (58:30–1:10:00)
- Miss Amelia, tearfully, breaks the news to Sara: all her comforts and her room are taken away; she must move to the attic.
- Sara faces Miss Minchin, her spirit unbroken:
- Sara refuses to give up her doll Emily: “No, I will not put her down. She is all I have. My papa gave her to me.” (1:07:50)
- Miss Minchin: “You are not a princess any longer… You are like Becky and you must work for a living.”
- Sara’s quietly resolute reply: "If I can work, it will not matter so much. What can I do?" (1:09:30)
- Miss Minchin: “Don’t put on grand airs. The time for that sort of thing is past. You are not a princess any longer.”
The Attic & True Friendship (1:10:00–end)
- Sara moves into the cold, comfortless attic; her grief is profound, expressed in stillness.
- Becky sneaks in, offering solidarity and comfort. The two girls unite in “princessness” of heart, not station.
Sara, quietly: "I told you we were just the same. Only two little girls. Just two little girls. You see how true it is. There’s no difference now. I’m not a princess anymore." (1:13:21) Becky, sobbing: "Yes, Miss, you are. Whatever happens to you… you’d be a princess all the same. And nothing couldn't make you nothing different." (1:13:50)
Notable Quotes
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On being a princess:
- “It has nothing to do with what you look like or what you have. It has only to do with what you think of and what you do.” (Faith quoting Jessie, 20:14)
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On loss and resilience:
- “If I can work, it will not matter so much. What can I do?” – Sara (1:09:30)
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On love and worth:
- “It’s not the price tag on the present. It’s the care and attention behind it. It’s literally the thought that counts.” (29:20)
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Final affirmation of true ‘princessness’:
- Becky: “Yes, Miss, you are [a princess]. Whatever happens to you… nothing couldn't make you nothing different.” (1:13:50)
Episode Tone & Atmosphere
Faith’s narration is warm, empathetic, and insightful—she maintains the intimacy of a cozy book club, interweaving gentle encouragement to participate in podcast activities with literary analysis and heartfelt appreciation for listener engagement.
Important Timestamps
- Victorian Christmas events: 00:30–09:00
- Recap and listener questions: 09:00–29:30
- Gift symbolism and social status: 29:30–34:10
- Birthday party and “the last doll”: 34:10–43:30
- Mr. Barrow’s bad news: 43:30–58:30
- Sara’s confrontation and loss: 58:30–1:10:00
- Sara and Becky’s friendship in the attic: 1:10:00–end
Summary
This pivotal chapter marks the end of Sara Crewe’s privileged childhood and the beginning of her trials, setting the stage for her transformation and the deepening of the novel’s central themes: the real meaning of nobility, the worth of kindness over wealth, and the resilience of the spirit in the face of loss. Faith’s commentary offers invaluable context and encouragement, making this episode a moving guide for readers and listeners alike—whether revisiting a childhood favorite or discovering classic literature anew.