# The Flight of the Driffields explained — Cakes and Ale

> Chapter companion for Cakes and Ale by W. Somerset Maugham.

## What happens

The narrator returns to Blackstable for the holidays, eager to see the Driffields, but learns they have fled town, leaving unpaid debts. He is shocked and feels betrayed, while others like Mary-Ann and Lord George Kemp react with amusement. The narrator reflects on the social consequences and his own naivety.

## Themes in this chapter

### Hypocrisy and Reputation

The Driffields' flight exposes the gap between their apparent respectability and their actual financial irresponsibility, while the townspeople's reactions reveal their own hypocrisies.

### Social Class and Snobbery

The narrator's uncle and aunt view the Driffields as 'adventurers' and 'improper associates,' highlighting class prejudices and the importance of social standing.

### The Nature of Beauty

The narrator's idealized view of the Driffields is shattered by their actions, questioning the beauty of appearances versus reality.

## Character check-ins

### The Narrator

Returns to Blackstable, excited to see the Driffields, but is shocked by their flight and the revelation of their debts.

### Edward Driffield

Flees Blackstable with his wife, leaving unpaid bills and debts, including to the butcher and for rent.

### Rosie Driffield

Flees with her husband, leaving debts and a maid unpaid, though she later sends the maid's wages.

### Lord George Kemp

Suspected of helping the Driffields escape, but denies it with sly mirth; he is also owed money for coal.

### Mary-Ann

The narrator's family servant, who giggles at the Driffields' escape and provides gossip about the event.

### Mr. Galloway

A local man who is upset by the Driffields' deceit, having been invited to tea just before their flight.

## Key lines

> They took their luggage away one night and just went up to London. They've left bills all over the place.

The Driffields secretly left Blackstable for London, leaving behind unpaid debts.

_The narrator's uncle informs him of the Driffields' sudden departure._

> I was much more shocked than Mary-Ann. I was a very respectable youth.

The narrator is more scandalized by the Driffields' debts than Mary-Ann, reflecting his adherence to social conventions.

_The narrator's internal reaction contrasts with the servant's amusement._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cakes_and_ale_se/chapters/x
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cakes_and_ale_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cakes_and_ale_se/chapters