Amaryllis at the Fair · Chapter
X explained
Amaryllis visits her grandfather, Father Iden, at his bakery in Woolhorton.
What happens
Amaryllis visits her grandfather, Father Iden, at his bakery in Woolhorton. He measures her height on his silver-mounted peel, quizzes her about her father, and leads her into his smoke-filled parlour to show her his valuable book collection. The chapter also describes the bustling fair, the history of lardy-cakes, and Amaryllis's passing by the shoemaker Tiras Wise.
Themes in this chapter
The Passage of Time and Loss
Grandfather Iden's aged appearance, his bent posture, and the notches on the peel recording grandchildren's growth emphasize the relentless march of time.
Social Class and Money
The contrast between Grandfather Iden's immense wealth (the iron box of guineas) and Amaryllis's indifference to it highlights class and material values.
Art, Ambition, and Failure
The discussion of rare books and their high auction prices reflects the theme of art and its commodification, as well as the gap between intrinsic value and market value.
Characters to notice
- Amaryllis Iden
Visits her grandfather, is measured, and explores his book collection; she is reckless and indifferent to his wealth.
- Grandfather Iden
The old baker and miller, over ninety, shows Amaryllis his books and measures her height; he is proud of his trade and his rare book collection.
- Mr. Iden
Mentioned as not coming to visit Grandfather Iden; his absence is noted by the old man.
- Mrs. Iden
Referenced indirectly through the mention of her throwing Iden's lardy-cake descent in his face.
- Tiras Wise
The shoemaker whose shop Amaryllis passes; his establishment has been in business since 1697.
- Jack Duck
Mentioned in a simile comparing Grandfather Iden's bent posture to Jack Duck carrying two sacks of wheat.
Key passages
“Reckless Amaryllis cared not a pin for all the spade guineas in the iron box.”
Amaryllis was completely unconcerned about her grandfather's hidden fortune.
Highlights Amaryllis's indifference to material wealth.
“The old man sat down by the fire without removing his hat, motioning to her to shut the door, which she was loth to do, for the little room was smothered with smoke.”
Grandfather Iden sat by the smoky fire and gestured for Amaryllis to close the door, but she hesitated because the room was already full of smoke.
Illustrates the oppressive atmosphere of Grandfather Iden's parlour.
“Bowed by more than ninety years, his back curved over forwards, and his limbs curved in the opposite direction, so that the outline of his form resembled a flattened capital S.”
His body was bent by age into an S-shape, with his back hunched forward and his legs bowed backward.
Vivid description of Grandfather Iden's aged physique.