Backwater · Chapter
V explained
Miriam returns to the Perne School for her second term, feeling a mix of pride in Miss Perne and despair at leaving home.
What happens
Miriam returns to the Perne School for her second term, feeling a mix of pride in Miss Perne and despair at leaving home. She reflects on the difficulty of sharing her life with family, the temptation to save money versus spend it, and the comfort she finds in small rituals and faith. A letter from Harriett brings news of an upcoming dance.
Themes in this chapter
Isolation and Belonging
Miriam feels disconnected from her family and struggles to belong at school, finding solace in her room and in faith.
Social Class and Environment
Miriam contrasts her own life with that of servants and the wealthy, reflecting on money, work, and social mobility.
Inner Life and Consciousness
The chapter is rich with Miriam's internal monologue, her fears, hopes, and spiritual reflections.
Characters to notice
- Miriam Henderson
Returns for second term, struggles with despair and homesickness, resolves to save money and influence her students through refined habits.
- Miss Jenny Perne
Welcomes Miriam warmly, expresses pride and affection.
- Eve
Miriam recalls Eve's changing attitudes toward a common family and her desire to be 'like other people.'
- Harriett
Sends a letter to Miriam with news of the Neville Subscription Dance and Gerald's offer to get her a ticket.
- Flora Broom
Miriam thinks of Flora as someone who gave up her family and saved money, living alone with a box of half-crowns.
- Gerald
Mentioned in Harriett's letter as offering to get Miriam a ticket for the dance.
Key passages
“If you can't have what you like you must like what you have”
Miriam repeats this maxim to herself as she returns to school, trying to accept her situation.
Reflects her struggle to find contentment in her circumstances.
“Into thy hands I commit my spirit. In manus something.”
Miriam prays, surrendering her suffering to God, though she questions why she must endure so much.
Shows her spiritual struggle and reliance on faith.
“We glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience.”
Miriam reads this Bible verse and prays for patience, finding a moment of peace.
Highlights her attempt to find meaning in suffering.