# XXXIII explained — Amaryllis at the Fair

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

## What happens

Amadis struggles with his weakness and self-contempt as he is nursed by Amaryllis, while the household bustles with activity. Mrs. Iden scolds the idlers, but the scene reflects a pastoral peace and plenty, contrasting Amadis's inner bitterness with the robust life around him.

## Themes in this chapter

### Nature and the Pastoral Ideal

The farmhouse scene emphasizes peace, plenty, and the beauty of a simple life, contrasting with Amadis's inner turmoil.

### Art, Ambition, and Failure

Amadis feels his ideas and ambitions are worthless next to the physical strength of others, leading to self-contempt.

### Gender Roles and Female Experience

Amaryllis is strong and masterful, while Mrs. Iden manages the household; Amadis feels emasculated by his weakness.

## Character check-ins

### Amaryllis Iden

Masterfully insists Amadis drink his milk; strong as a young lioness, turns the heavy cheese-tub easily.

### Amadis Iden

Weak and bitter, despises himself for his frailty compared to others; drinks milk while others drink ale.

### Mrs. Iden

Bustles energetically, scolds Iden and the lazy household, complains about the butter not being done.

### Mr. Iden

Comes in for lunch with a gossip, offers to help, is rebuffed by Mrs. Iden.

### Old Flamma

Smokes and sips Goliath ale in the summerhouse, sings a song about the sun.

### John Duck

Sits with Iden in the bow-window, eats lunch with a great mouth full.

## Key lines

> His heart was bitter as absinthe.

He felt deeply bitter and resentful.

_Amadis's bitterness over his weakness is compared to the bitter taste of absinthe._

> To despise oneself is more bitter than absinthe.

Self-loathing is even more painful than the bitterness of absinthe.

_Amadis's self-contempt is emphasized as the deepest bitterness._

> His days were mixed of honey and wormwood; sweet because of Amaryllis, absinthe because of his weakness.

His life was a mix of joy from Amaryllis and pain from his frailty.

_The contrast between his love for Amaryllis and his physical weakness defines his emotional state._

## Links

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