There's definitely a perception of class differences between lowlanders and highlanders in Princess Academy. In a bit of a twist, though, it's the lowlanders who think they're higher class, while the highlanders are looked down upon because they're just poor mountain folk. The traders think that the highlanders are stupid and can be swindled, and Tutor Olana acts like teaching a bunch of mountain girls to behave like ladies is going to be some insurmountable task.
But as the book progresses, it becomes clear that the girls—and their families—aren't stupid or backward at all. If given the right resources and education, they're just as smart as any lowlander, and even possess knowledge of their own.
Questions About Society and Class
- What does Miri realize when she reads the chapter on Commerce in her studies?
- Why does Tutor Olana act like her job is so hard?
- Why aren't most of the girls friends with Britta? Why do they avoid her?
- Does Prince Steffan care about what class his future bride comes from? Why or why not?
Chew on This
Tutor Olana starts out looking down on the girls because of where they come from, but by the end she is able to see them for their successes and acknowledge their intelligence.
Although Britta is the daughter of a nobleman down in the lowlands, when she arrives at Mount Eskel, she is shunned for being a lowlander. Her status changes depending on where she goes.