Honeycomb · Chapter
II explained
Miriam settles into the Corrie household and meets Joey Banks, an old family friend.
What happens
Miriam settles into the Corrie household and meets Joey Banks, an old family friend. She observes the chaotic, unmusical family sing-along and finds solace in Mr. Corrie's study, where she and Joey share a moment of quiet intimacy and mutual fascination.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Wealth
Miriam's observations of Joey's ease in Mr. Corrie's study and her own sense of being 'protected from the whole world' underscore class distinctions and the comfort of wealth.
Inner vs. Outer Self
Miriam's internal reflections contrast with the chaotic external family scene, and her imagined connection with Mr. Corrie reveals her desire for a deeper, unspoken understanding.
Art and Creative Expression
The family's discordant singing and Miriam's attempt to lead them in music highlight the tension between genuine artistic sensibility and performative social ritual.
Characters to notice
- Miriam
Miriam arrives at Newlands and begins to navigate the household, feeling both alienated and drawn to the freedom of Mr. Corrie's study.
- Joey
Joey Banks is introduced as an old family friend, lounging in Mr. Corrie's study and engaging Miriam in a deep, comfortable conversation.
- Mrs. Corrie
Mrs. Corrie leads the chaotic family sing-along, forcing the children to dance and sing with little regard for musicality.
- Sybil
Sybil participates energetically in the singing and dancing, pirouetting and clapping during the performance.
- Rollo
Rollo is mentioned as the child who clings to Mrs. Corrie during the dance, and his room is referenced as the source of the cushion Joey uses.
- Wiggerson
Wiggerson is seen lighting the lamp in the dining-room, a minor presence in the household.
Key passages
“He must be one of those charming sort of men, rather weak, who went on liking people.”
Miriam speculates that Mr. Corrie is a charming but weak man who easily maintains affection for others.
Miriam's internal judgment of Mr. Corrie based on Joey's fondness for him.
“They thought this was music.”
Miriam is appalled that the family considers their tuneless, rhythmless singing to be music.
Miriam's critical perspective on the family's musical abilities.
“What perfect security.… She turned to Mr. Corrie, unknown and mysteriously away somewhere in London to thank him for setting her here, protected from the whole world in the deeps of his study chair.”
Miriam feels a profound sense of safety and gratitude toward the absent Mr. Corrie for providing her a sanctuary in his study.
Miriam's emotional response to the comfort of the study and her idealization of Mr. Corrie.