A Popular Schoolgirl · Chapter
V: The Fifth-Form Fête explained
The chapter describes the Fifth-Form's fête, where the girls enjoy tea and cakes, followed by an impromptu concert.
What happens
The chapter describes the Fifth-Form's fête, where the girls enjoy tea and cakes, followed by an impromptu concert. Ingred reluctantly accompanies Bess Haselford on the piano as Bess plays the violin, showcasing her skill. The event includes an invasion by the Sixth Form and a disruption by younger students, highlighting social dynamics and rivalry.
Themes in this chapter
Competition and Emulation
Ingred's jealousy of Bess's attention and the rivalry between forms (V a vs. V b) highlight competitive dynamics.
Art and Music as Connection
The impromptu concert brings together students from different forms, fostering community through shared performance.
Social Class and Status
Bess's grapes from Rotherwood and Ingred's resentment over lost family property underscore class tensions.
Characters to notice
- Ingred Saxon
Reluctantly plays piano accompaniment for Bess, feeling jealous of the attention Bess receives.
- Bess Haselford
Plays the violin beautifully, bringing grapes from Rotherwood, and is praised by the girls.
- Lispeth Scott
Acts as impresario, organizing the concert and later dealing with disruptive juniors.
- Verity Richmond
Introduces Ingred's piano solo with humorous flair, contributing to the festive mood.
- Francie Hall
Reveals Bess's violin and fetches it, helping to initiate the musical performance.
- Nora Clifford
Encourages Ingred to play the piano, dismissing her protests.
- Beatrice Jackson
Helps open Bess's hamper of grapes, sharing them with the class.
- Linda Slater
Leads the procession to fetch provisions and participates in the tea.
Key passages
“no use asking me; it isn't indeed! I'll tell you what—Bess Haselford plays the violin, and, what's more, she's got it with her, for I saw her put it away in the dressing-room.”
Francie insists she cannot perform but reveals that Bess Haselford has a violin and can play.
Francie redirects attention to Bess, sparking the violin performance.
“Why should I help this new girl to show off?”
Ingred resents accompanying Bess, feeling she is helping a rival gain attention.
Reveals Ingred's jealousy and competitive feelings toward Bess.
“It's been quite a ripping concert, and I'm sorry to break it up, but you understand, don't you?”
Lispeth apologizes for ending the concert early due to disruptive juniors, expecting the girls to agree.
Shows Lispeth's authority and the need to maintain order.