Finally, Mrs. Pentstemmon is able to voice what Sophie has been ignoring for a long time: that Sophie does have magical powers, and that she can charm things by speaking to them. Her walking stick, in this case, becomes symbolic of Sophie’s growing power—it’s not just the thing that keeps her upright and moving, it proves that she can change her world to suit her. Mrs. Pentstemmon also encourages Sophie to give Calcifer some grace, if her understanding of demons is correct. Essentially, she insists Calcifer isn’t good or bad—he’s just looking out for himself.