Amaryllis at the Fair · Chapter
VIII explained
Amaryllis is forced to go to the fair against her will.
What happens
Amaryllis is forced to go to the fair against her will. Iden and Mrs. Iden have a bitter argument about their families. John Duck, a wealthy farmer's son, shows interest in Amaryllis. Amaryllis defiantly refuses to ride with him and walks instead.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Money
John Duck's interest in Amaryllis is driven by her grandfather's wealth; the Idens' poverty contrasts with Granfer Iden's fortune.
Family Conflict and Misunderstanding
Iden and Mrs. Iden's vicious argument about each other's families; Amaryllis's defiance toward her parents and grandfather.
Gender Roles and Female Experience
Amaryllis is forced to attend the fair and change her dress; her defiance is noted as 'wilfulness' that could lead to the gallows.
Characters to notice
- Amaryllis Iden
Forced to go to the fair; defiant and rebellious; mocks John Duck's pronunciation; refuses to ride with him.
- Mr. Iden
Argues with Mrs. Iden about family; proud of his wall and ale; tries to smooth over tensions.
- Mrs. Iden
Engages in a heated argument with Iden; insults his family; inconsistent in her treatment of Amaryllis.
- John Duck
Interested in Amaryllis; hopes to marry her for her grandfather's money; considered eligible due to his father's wealth.
- Grandfather Iden
Mentioned as wealthy and a favorite at the Pamment mansion; Amaryllis dislikes him.
- Old Duck
John Duck's father; amassed wealth by riding in a wagon overseeing workers; once accidentally dumped from a cart.
Key passages
“In the oratory of abuse there is no resource so successful as raking up the weaknesses of the opponent's family, especially when the parties are married, for having gossiped with each other for so long in the most confidential manner, they know every foible.”
In arguments, the most effective tactic is to bring up the flaws of your spouse's relatives, since married couples know each other's secrets intimately.
Narrator's commentary on marital quarrels.
“There was a defiant light in her deep brown eyes, that sort of 'I don't care' disposition which our grandmothers used to say would take us to the gallows.”
Her eyes showed a rebellious attitude that older generations believed would lead to ruin.
Description of Amaryllis's defiant nature.