Coraline

by

Neil Gaiman

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Coraline: Chapter 2 Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
The next day the rain has stopped and a dense white mist has taken its place. Coraline puts on her raincoat and boots and goes out for a walk. Out in the yard she runs into Miss Spink and Miss Forcible, who are walking their dogs. The women tell Coraline more about their illustrious former acting careers, but Coraline, bored with their stories, wanders off as soon as she gets a chance.
The mist makes Coraline’s new neighborhood seem even more unknowable and mysterious. Meanwhile, Coraline is still uncomfortable around her neighbors. This passage shows that she’s reluctant in her adjustment to her new home.
Themes
Home and the Familiar Theme Icon
The fog is thick, and Coraline finds herself walking in circles—she soon arrives back at the house, where she encounters the crazy old man from upstairs. He tells her that his mice don’t enjoy the fog—but they do have a message for Coraline. The crazy old man tells Coraline his mice have asked him to tell her: “Don’t go through the door.” The man asks Coraline if the message means anything to her, and she says it doesn’t.
Again, Coraline rebuffs help and attention from a neighbor—even though she is aware that this person may be in a position to help or guide her. Coraline feels unsafe in and uncertain about her new home, and doesn’t realize that accepting help and attention from people like the old man upstairs might benefit her. 
Themes
Home and the Familiar Theme Icon
Fear and Bravery Theme Icon
Coraline goes inside and tells her mother that she’s grown bored again. Her mother laments that there is still a whole week left until the summer holidays are over and Coraline’s school year begins, then suggests that Coraline busy herself by making some artwork. Coraline quickly gets bored of drawing. She checks the door in the drawing room again and finds that it is locked. She goes to visit her father in his study, but he is too busy writing to talk or play with her.
Coraline has no regard for her parents’ responsibilities—all she can see or understand is the fact that they don’t prioritize her, every moment of every day, above everything else.
Themes
Parents and Children Theme Icon
Home and the Familiar Theme Icon
Coraline goes down to Miss Spink and Miss Forcible’s flat and rings the doorbell. They invite her in for tea. The women are discussing how much they miss life on the stage and brainstorming roles they could play in their old age. When Coraline finishes her tea, Miss Spink offers to read the leaves for her—but as she looks into Coraline’s cup, her face changes. Miss Spink tells Coraline that she is in “terrible danger.” Miss Forcible double-checks the leaves and agrees with Miss Spink. They warn Coraline to be careful, and Miss Spink gives Coraline a little talisman—a smooth stone with a small hole in it. As Coraline heads back to her own flat, she thinks to herself that the idea of being in danger sounds a little bit exciting.
The early pages of the novel have been essential in establishing Coraline’s headstrong nature and the pride she takes in being an explorer. Even though Miss Spink and Miss Forcible suggest she’s in danger—compounding the crazy old man upstairs’ earlier warning about staying away from the door—Coraline feels up for the challenge.
Themes
Fear and Bravery Theme Icon
Quotes
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