# Conclusion explained — Harry Heathcote of Gangoil

> Chapter companion for Harry Heathcote of Gangoil by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

Harry Heathcote sleeps deeply after his heroic efforts against the bushfire, while the household prepares for Christmas dinner. Kate Daly anxiously reflects on Giles Medlicot's apparent romantic interest, and she and her sister Mary discuss the possibility of a match. Despite the absconded Chinese cook and Medlicot's broken collarbone, the Christmas dinner at Gangoil is a success, and Harry toasts 'Our friends at home.' Kate is left alone with Medlicot on the veranda, where he hints at his feelings.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family and Loyalty

The Heathcote family and Medlicots come together after the fire, with Kate and Mary discussing a potential marriage that would unite the families.

### Survival and Hardship

Harry's exhaustion from fighting the fire, the absconded cook, and the broken collarbone all underscore the constant struggle for survival in the bush.

### Colonial Identity and Alienation

Mrs. Medlicot's toast to 'friends at home' reflects the longing for England, while the bush setting forces new social bonds and adaptations.

## Character check-ins

### Harry Heathcote

Sleeps soundly after fighting the fire; later toasts 'Our friends at home' at Christmas dinner.

### Kate Daly

Anxiously wonders about Medlicot's intentions; confides in her sister Mary about her feelings.

### Giles Medlicot

Recovering from a broken collarbone; sits on the veranda and is left alone with Kate, hinting at romantic interest.

### Mrs. Heathcote

Tends to Harry while he sleeps; later arranges for Kate to be alone with Medlicot on the veranda.

### Mrs. Medlicot

Arrives and sobs over her son's injury; participates in Christmas dinner and drinks the toast.

### Sing Sing

The Chinese cook who has absconded, leaving the household short-handed for Christmas dinner.

## Key lines

> He had richly earned his rest by his work, and he lay motionless, without a sound, in the broad daylight, with his arm under his head—dreaming, no doubt, of some happy squatting land, in which there were no free-selectors, no fires, no rebellious servants, no floods, no droughts, no wild dogs to worry the lambs, no grass seeds to get into the fleeces, and in which the price of wool stood steady at two shillings and sixpence a pound.

Harry slept deeply, dreaming of an ideal pastoral life free from all the troubles of the bush.

_Highlights Harry's exhaustion and his longing for a trouble-free existence._

> But in the bush the thing is very different. It may be that there is no young man available within fifty miles—no possible lover or future husband, unless Heaven should interfere almost with a miracle.

In the remote bush, eligible young men are extremely scarce, making any romantic prospect significant.

_Emphasizes the isolation and limited marriage prospects for women in colonial Australia._

> Household deficiencies—and, indeed, all deficiencies—are considerable or insignificant in accordance with the aspirations of those concerned.

What counts as a problem depends on one's expectations; in the bush, a simple meal can be a feast.

_Reflects the theme of adapting to hardship and making do with limited resources._

## Links

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