Dr. Wortle’s School · Chapter
III: “Amo in the Cool of the Evening” explained
Dr.
What happens
Dr. Wortle consults his lawyers about suing the newspaper that published the libelous joke 'Amo in the cool of the evening,' which implied he was making love to Mrs. Peacocke. He is furious with the Bishop for sending him the paper and for the rebuke he received. As he walks through the woods, he calms down and considers the Bishop's mistake, wondering whether he truly wants to crush him. The lawyer reports that the newspaper is willing to apologize, but Dr. Wortle is torn between accepting the apology and pursuing the action to clear his name. Meanwhile, the school has dwindled to twenty pupils, and Dr. Wortle feels ashamed and heartbroken.
Themes in this chapter
Social Reputation and Scandal
Dr. Wortle's concern for his reputation and the damage caused by the newspaper's insinuation.
Moral Hypocrisy
The Bishop's rebuke and the newspaper's joke are seen as hypocritical by Dr. Wortle.
Integrity and Conscience
Dr. Wortle's internal struggle over whether to pursue legal action or accept the apology, weighing his conscience.
Characters to notice
- Dr. Wortle
Consults lawyers, considers legal action, and wrestles with his anger toward the Bishop.
- Mrs. Wortle
Accompanies her husband to London, hoping to mitigate his wrath against the Bishop.
- Mrs. Peacocke
Visited by Dr. and Mrs. Wortle with continued kindness despite the scandal.
- The Bishop
His letter and the newspaper reference are central to the conflict; Dr. Wortle believes he made a mistake.
- Mr. Peacocke
Absent, but his absence affects the school and Dr. Wortle's routine.
Key passages
“Amo in the cool of the evening! The words stuck to him like the shirt of Nessus, lacerating his very spirit.”
The phrase 'Amo in the cool of the evening' tormented Dr. Wortle like a poisonous garment, deeply wounding his pride.
Dr. Wortle's intense emotional reaction to the libelous joke.
“Rebukes break no bones,”
The lawyer suggests that the Bishop's rebuke, while unpleasant, does not cause lasting harm.
The lawyer's pragmatic view of the Bishop's censure.
“I would rather starve than soil my hands with their money.”
Dr. Wortle declares he would prefer poverty over accepting financial damages from the newspaper.
Dr. Wortle's refusal to accept monetary compensation for the libel.