Antic Hay · Chapter
Chapter XVII explained
Gumbril travels back to London after failing to find Emily at the cottage, reflecting on her letter and their lost future.
What happens
Gumbril travels back to London after failing to find Emily at the cottage, reflecting on her letter and their lost future. On the train, he encounters an old gentleman who rants about overpopulation and suburban sprawl, and they share a conversation about the dangers of population growth.
Themes in this chapter
Modern Ennui and Disillusionment
Gumbril's desolate thoughts and the arid landscape of his emotions mirror the theme of modern disillusionment, as he grapples with the loss of Emily and the meaninglessness of his pursuits.
Social Class and Herd Mentality
The old gentleman's rant about the 'revolting houses' and 'prosperous Jews' reflects class-based anxieties and a disdain for the burgeoning suburban middle class.
Characters to notice
- Theodore Gumbril
Travels back to London after failing to find Emily; reads her letter repeatedly and reflects on their relationship; engages in conversation with an old gentleman on the train about overpopulation.
- Emily
Has left the cottage without leaving an address; her letter to Gumbril is quoted at length, expressing her disappointment and her decision to end their relationship.
Key passages
“The aridity was now complete, and even the hope of a mirage had vanished.”
Gumbril felt utterly desolate, with no comforting illusions left.
Captures Gumbril's emotional state after failing to find Emily.
“I see you agree with me, sir, that there are too many people in the world.”
The old gentleman assumes Gumbril shares his view that overpopulation is a problem.
Opens the conversation between Gumbril and the old gentleman on the train.