# IX explained — Amaryllis at the Fair

> Chapter companion for Amaryllis at the Fair by Richard Jefferies.

## What happens

The chapter explores the discord between Mr. and Mrs. Iden, focusing on Mr. Iden's habit of walking barefoot in the dew and Mrs. Iden's scornful reaction. It reflects on the misalignment of their true natures with their lives, and touches on moments of harmony over lavender, as well as the profound sadness of attending the theatre after a funeral.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family Conflict and Misunderstanding

The ongoing discord between Mr. and Mrs. Iden over trivial matters like dew-wading highlights deep familial misunderstanding.

### The Passage of Time and Loss

The chapter reflects on how years of marriage and life have dulled original feelings, culminating in the sad visit to the theatre after Old Flamma's funeral.

### Individual vs. Society

Mr. Iden's solitary dew-wading is condemned by Mrs. Iden because 'nobody else does it,' illustrating the pressure to conform.

## Character check-ins

### Amaryllis Iden

Amaryllis is hurt by the discord between her parents.

### Mr. Iden

Mr. Iden enjoys walking barefoot in the dew, which provokes Mrs. Iden's anger. He is portrayed as having great potential unfulfilled.

### Mrs. Iden

Mrs. Iden is scornful of her husband's dew-wading, but shares moments of tenderness with him over lavender. Her past beauty and vivacity contrast with her current life.

### Old Flamma

Old Flamma, Mrs. Iden's father, dies in London, prompting the trip to the funeral and theatre.

## Key lines

> This discordance between her father and mother hurt Amaryllis’ affectionate heart exceedingly.

The constant conflict between her parents deeply pained Amaryllis.

_Opens the chapter with Amaryllis's emotional distress._

> If only it could have lasted! Somehow, as people grow older there seems so much grating of the wheels.

The brief harmony over lavender was fleeting; aging brings increasing friction.

_Reflects on the erosion of marital harmony over time._

> They sat at the theatre with grey hearts. With the music and the song, the dancing, the colours and gay dresses, it was sadder there than in the silent rooms at the house where the dead had been.

At the theatre, amidst entertainment, they felt more sorrow than at the funeral, as it reminded them of their own lost youth and joy.

_Highlights the tragic irony of seeking pleasure after a funeral._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/amaryllis_at_the_fair_se/chapters/ix
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/amaryllis_at_the_fair_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/amaryllis_at_the_fair_se/chapters