Amaryllis at the Fair · Chapter
XV explained
Grandfather Iden takes Amaryllis onto the private lawns of the Pamment mansion, a privilege he alone enjoys.
What happens
Grandfather Iden takes Amaryllis onto the private lawns of the Pamment mansion, a privilege he alone enjoys. Amaryllis, however, resents being brought there, as she despises the Pamments as symbols of oppression and medieval tyranny. While Iden revels in his access and bows reverently to a figure at the window, Amaryllis stands in silent rebellion, her Flamma-bred hatred of authority clashing with her grandfather's obsequious loyalty.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Money
The Pamments' immense wealth and social power are contrasted with the Idens' modest status; Grandfather Iden's access to their grounds is a mark of privilege, while Amaryllis resents the class hierarchy.
Individual vs. Society
Amaryllis's rebellious feelings against the Pamments and her Flamma hatred of authority clash with her grandfather's deference to the social order, illustrating the tension between personal conviction and societal expectation.
The Passage of Time and Loss
Grandfather Iden, at ninety years old, still performs the rituals of deference to the Pamments, while the text notes that the art of bowing has been lost in the modern generation, suggesting a change in social customs over time.
Characters to notice
- Amaryllis Iden
Amaryllis is brought unwillingly to the Pamment mansion; she feels intense vexation and resentment, refusing to look at the house and tapping the sacred sward with her Flamma foot.
- Grandfather Iden
Grandfather Iden is proud and happy to walk on the Pamment lawns, using his private key; he bows deeply to a figure at the window, showing his veneration for the Pamments.
- Raleigh Pamment
The Hon. Raleigh Pamment is the son and heir, rumored to be less exclusive and effusive towards low-born ladies; the Pamments are described as the largest landowners and very important Tories.
Key passages
“Amaryllis hesitated, and looked back; Iden drew her forward, not noticing her evident disinclination to proceed. If he had, he would have put it down to awe, instead of which it was dislike.”
Amaryllis paused and glanced behind her, but Iden pulled her onward, unaware that her reluctance came from dislike rather than the awe he assumed.
Highlights the misunderstanding between grandfather and granddaughter.
“Grandfather Iden alone entered when he listed: he wandered about the lawns, he looked in at the conservatories, he took a bunch of grapes if it pleased him, or a bouquet of flowers; he actually stepped indoors occasionally and sat down on the carved old chairs, or pottered about the picture gallery.”
Only Grandfather Iden had the freedom to come and go as he pleased, strolling the lawns, visiting the conservatories, helping himself to grapes or flowers, and even going inside to sit on the antique chairs or explore the gallery.
Describes the unique privilege Grandfather Iden enjoys at the Pamment estate.
“Rebellious Amaryllis knew all this, and hated it. Her Flamma foot tapped the sacred sward.”
Amaryllis, rebellious by nature, was aware of her grandfather's veneration and despised it, expressing her defiance by tapping the hallowed grass with her foot.
Shows Amaryllis's internal conflict and her inherited Flamma disdain for authority.