A Prefect’s Uncle · Chapter
V: Farnie Gets Into Trouble explained
Farnie, despite warnings from his nephew Gethryn, forms a friendship with the disreputable Monk and Danvers.
What happens
Farnie, despite warnings from his nephew Gethryn, forms a friendship with the disreputable Monk and Danvers. He cleverly avoids lending them money when they try to exploit him, but later borrows from Monk at usurious terms to fund his illicit activities. Farnie skips school obligations by paying others to answer roll-call for him, leading to risky behavior.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Truth
Farnie deceives Monk and Danvers about his financial status, and later uses deception to avoid roll-call.
Bullying and Power Dynamics
Monk and Danvers attempt to exploit Farnie's position as a new boy, but Farnie subverts the power dynamic through wit and independence.
Family and Obligation
Gethryn feels obligated to guide Farnie, but Farnie resists, leading to a breakdown in their relationship.
Characters to notice
- Farnie
Forms a friendship with Monk and Danvers against Gethryn's advice, cleverly avoids their loan schemes, but later borrows money from Monk at high interest.
- Monk
Attempts to exploit Farnie for loans, fails initially, but later lends Farnie money at exploitative terms.
- Danvers
Joins Monk in trying to borrow from Farnie, is outwitted, and complains about Farnie's independence.
- Mr. Gethryn
Warns Farnie about Monk, but Farnie ignores him; Gethryn eventually gives up trying to control his relative.
- Marriott
Observes Farnie's association with Monk and comments on the situation to Gethryn.
Key passages
“It was perhaps only natural that Farnie, having been warned so strongly of the inadvisability of having anything to do with Monk, should for that very reason be attracted to him.”
Farnie's attraction to Monk was a predictable reaction to being told to avoid him.
Explains Farnie's contrary nature and the beginning of his friendship with Monk.
“Farnie with the utmost willingness brought to light a handful of money, mostly gold. Monk's eye gleamed approval, and he stretched forth an itching palm.”
Farnie showed his wealth, and Monk eagerly reached out to take some.
Highlights the attempted exploitation and Farnie's display of wealth.
“If you'll pay me back four quid at the end of term, you shall have the two pounds. How does that strike you?”
Monk offers to lend Farnie two pounds if Farnie repays four pounds at term's end.
Shows Monk's exploitative lending terms and Farnie's desperation.