Cup of Gold · Chapter
IV explained
Henry walks home through the dark, conflicted about his feelings for Elizabeth—a mix of desire, disgust, and fear of her mysterious new womanhood.
What happens
Henry walks home through the dark, conflicted about his feelings for Elizabeth—a mix of desire, disgust, and fear of her mysterious new womanhood. He meets the road-mender William, who complains about London thieves and Merlin's lost song-making. Henry passes Elizabeth's hut, whistles to her, but when she appears, he is overcome with shame and runs away.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Disillusionment
Henry's feelings for Elizabeth are a tangle of desire, disgust, and shame, illustrating the disillusionment that accompanies adolescent love and the loss of innocence.
Loneliness and Alienation
Henry feels monstrous and isolated by his dreams and emotions, unable to confide in anyone, and runs away from Elizabeth in shame.
Characters to notice
- Henry Morgan
Walks home, reflecting on his troubled feelings for Elizabeth and his dreams; avoids visiting her despite his desire.
- Elizabeth
The object of Henry's conflicted emotions; her new womanhood and mysterious power both draw and repel him.
- Merlin
Referenced as having given Henry a first speech; now described by William as an old molted eagle who no longer makes songs.
- Mother Morgan
Mentioned in Henry's thoughts as having secrets about biscuits and crying for no known reason.
- Tim
Mentioned as 'William'—the road-mender who meets Henry on the path and talks about London and Merlin.
Key passages
“He did not like her; sometimes he thought he had discovered hatred for her, and this he nursed and warmed only to feel it grow to a desire to see her.”
Henry's dislike for Elizabeth paradoxically fuels his longing to see her.
Highlights the contradictory nature of Henry's emotions.
“There was surely something monstrous about him, for he could not distinguish between desire and disgust.”
Henry feels like a monster because he cannot separate his attraction from his revulsion.
Reveals Henry's inner turmoil and self-loathing.
“‘I have grown to be a man,’ he answered, ‘and there be no songs in a man. Only children make songs—children and idiots.’”
Merlin claims that adulthood leaves no room for song, which is only for children or fools.
Reflects Merlin's cynical view of maturity and creativity.