Summary

Princess September is a story written by William Somerset Maugham about a young princess who learns the value of freedom. Princess September was the youngest of nine daughters, each named after a month of the year. The King of Siam had a peculiar tradition of giving gifts to his daughters on his birthday, and each princess received a parrot in a golden cage. The parrots could say “God save the King” and “Pretty Polly” in various languages, which entertained the royal family.

One day, Princess September found her parrot dead in its cage and was deeply saddened. Her Maids of Honour, unable to comfort her, informed the Queen, who sent her to bed without supper. As she cried, a small bird entered her room and sang a beautiful song, which made her forget her sorrow. The bird offered to replace the parrot, explaining that although he wasn’t as pretty, he could sing lovely songs. Princess September, delighted by his song, decided to keep him. The next morning, she bathed and fed the bird, and everyone in the palace was amazed by his beautiful singing.

As the bird continued to sing around the palace, the other princesses grew jealous. They suggested that Princess September should buy a new parrot, but she trusted the singing bird, believing he would never leave her. Eventually, one day the bird went away longer than usual. Worried, Princess September placed him in a cage to keep him safe. However, when she asked the bird to sing the next morning, he refused, saying he could not sing while confined.

Princess September realized that the bird could not thrive in captivity and, not wanting to lose him like her previous parrot, decided to set him free. The bird promised to return and often visited her, singing beautiful songs. As time passed, Princess September grew into a beautiful young woman due to the fresh air and sunlight that came through her open window. She eventually married the King of Cambodia, while her sisters, who had kept their birds in cages, remained less happy and married lesser suitors.

Conclusion of Princess September

The story of Princess September teaches that freedom is the birthright of every living being. No material possessions or comforts can replace the loss of freedom. The tale highlights the importance of trust, freedom, and the natural connection between living beings and their environment.