The Burnell Courtyard

The Burnell courtyard is where the doll's house resides, and it is where the Burnell children bring the girls from school to see the luxurious gift. The courtyard is particularly significant because it is in itself a symbol of luxury – an average family would not have a courtyard in their home – but it is also a place where the lines between classes can be breached. Neither inside nor outside entirely, the courtyard is where the Kelveys finally get to see the doll's house, and this incident – which is quickly squelched by Aunt Beryl – represents the small triumph of the lower class. Here in the courtyard, the Kelveys receive a glimpse of the wealth and status all the other girls have come to see already. Though the Burnells have tried to keep them firmly excluded, they are still able to get close enough to see the little...