The Second Form at St. Clare's facts for kids
First edition
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| Author | Enid Blyton |
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| Illustrator | W. Lindsay Cable |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Series | St. Clare's |
| Publisher | Methuen |
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Publication date
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1944 |
| Preceded by | Summer Term at St. Clare's |
| Followed by | Third Form at St.Clare's |
The Second Form at St. Clare's is the fourth book in the popular St. Clare's series by Enid Blyton. This series tells exciting stories about twin sisters, Patricia and Isabel O'Sullivan, at their boarding school. In this book, the twins are now in the second form. Their new teacher is Miss Jenks, who is much kinder than their old teacher, Miss Roberts.
Contents
What Happens in the Story?
The second form welcomes two new students and two girls who are repeating the year. The girls repeating are Elsie Fanshawe and Anna Johnson. Elsie is often mean, and Anna is very lazy. Even so, they are both chosen to be the heads of their form. Miss Jenks, their teacher, isn't sure about this, but she lets them try.
New Girls and New Friendships
Two new girls join the form: Gladys Hilman and Mirabel Unwin. Gladys is very sad because her mother is sick in the hospital. She hardly ever talks, so the other girls call her "The Misery Girl." Mirabel is the one who finds out what's wrong with Gladys.
Mirabel herself is a bit of a troublemaker. She was sent to St. Clare's because she was difficult at home. Her bad attitude causes problems, especially when Carlotta gets upset with her for ruining a play practice. Carlotta even slaps Mirabel, which teaches Mirabel a lesson. Mirabel later tells Isabel she feels bad about her behavior and wants to be friends.
Elsie tries to turn the class against Mirabel. But Isabel stands up for Mirabel, explaining that Elsie is just being mean. Because of this, Mirabel and Isabel become good friends. Mirabel first wants to leave school, but she decides to stay when Pat and Isabel support her.
Unexpected Talents and Changes
Even though Gladys and Mirabel don't get along at first, they become friends. They help each other get used to boarding school life. Mirabel is a great musician, and Gladys is a talented actor. The class uses their skills to help them fit in.
Anna, who was known for being lazy, becomes a surprisingly good head girl. When Elsie loses her position, Anna takes on the role with new energy. She enjoys helping others and being a good example.
When the headmistress, Mrs. Theobald, doesn't let Mirabel send a telegram for her violin, Anna steps in. She explains to Mrs. Theobald that Mirabel truly wants to do better. Because of Anna's honesty, Mirabel gets her violin. All the girls admire Anna for her kindness.
Concert and Consequences
The girls put on a successful concert. Elsie is not allowed to take part because of her bad behavior towards Anna. Both Anna and Carlotta try to be nice to Elsie, but Elsie doesn't learn her lesson. She tries to ruin Carlotta's birthday party as revenge.
However, Hilary finds out about Elsie's plan. So, instead of having the party on Carlotta's birthday, the girls have a secret midnight feast the night before. Elsie gets into trouble when her plan to expose the party fails.
A new drama teacher, Miss Quentin, joins the school. Alison, who always picks someone to admire, chooses Miss Quentin. But at the end of the term, Alison is disappointed. She finds out Miss Quentin laughs at her behind her back and chose Gladys for the main role in the play instead of her. Alison then becomes very cold towards Miss Quentin.
At the end of the term, Anna is allowed to move up to the Third Form. Elsie is also allowed to move up after she says sorry to Anna and Carlotta. But she is warned that this is her last chance. She must stop being mean, or she will be expelled from the school.
Who are the Main Characters?
Isabel O’Sullivan
Isabel is one of the twin sisters and a main character. She is good at sports and enjoys playing games. Isabel is usually better at staying calm than her twin sister, Pat.
Patricia ‘Pat’ O’Sullivan
Pat is Isabel's twin sister. They look almost exactly alike and are best friends. They love sports and enjoy doing things together. Pat can get a bit angrier than Isabel sometimes.
Elsie Fanshawe
Elsie had to stay in the second form for another year. She is often mean and spiteful. Carlotta even calls her "Catty Elsie." Elsie causes a lot of trouble for the other girls. She tries to ruin Carlotta's party. At the end of the book, Elsie apologizes and is given one last chance to change her ways. It's not known if she truly changes, as she doesn't appear in later books.
Other Interesting Facts
- Some newer versions of the book change the scene where Carlotta slaps Mirabel. Instead, Carlotta accidentally steps on Mirabel's toe.
- Gladys mentions that she has to stay at school during the summer holidays. This is because her mother is ill, and she has no other family.
