A Little Princess is a novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett published in 1905. Sara Crewe, the daughter of a rich officer in India, is a favoured pupil at Miss Minchin's boarding school in London, until news of her father's death leaves her penniless. Forced to work as a servant, she keeps her dignity by imagining herself a princess.
The story
Sara arrives at the school with fine clothes and a beloved doll, Emily. Generous and imaginative, she is loved by the other girls and resented by the headmistress.
When her father dies, apparently ruined, Miss Minchin sends her to live in the attic and work as a maid. Sara befriends the scullery maid Becky and a little rat.
Imagination and kindness
Sara survives cold, hunger and humiliation by imagining that she is a princess, and that a princess must be kind even in misfortune.
In one famous scene, though she is starving, she gives most of her hot buns to a beggar child.
From play to novel
Burnett first wrote the story as a short serial called Sara Crewe in 1887-1888, then turned it into a play in 1902.
The novel of 1905 expanded the story with many new episodes and characters, including Becky.
Anecdotes
The Indian gentleman
Sara's life changes when a mysterious gentleman moves in next door with his Indian servant, Ram Dass, who climbs over the roofs to her attic.
Shirley Temple
In 1939, the novel was adapted into a successful film starring Shirley Temple, which changed the ending of the story.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Sara Crewe?
A rich girl who becomes a servant at her boarding school.
Who is Miss Minchin?
The strict headmistress of the school.
When was the novel published?
In 1905.