Huntingtower · Chapter
III: How Childe Roland and Another Came to the Dark Tower explained
Dickson McCunn wakes irritated by John Heritage's iconoclastic views, resolves to avoid him, and sets off alone on his walking holiday.
What happens
Dickson McCunn wakes irritated by John Heritage's iconoclastic views, resolves to avoid him, and sets off alone on his walking holiday. He chooses a westward route toward the sea, eventually arriving at the village of Dalquharter. There, he and Heritage (who has followed) explore the area and discover a strange, new, sinister house called Huntingtower. They witness a patrol of men and hear a beautiful voice singing from within, which Heritage recognizes as the voice of a girl he saw in Rome. They seek lodging in the village, are turned away from the inn by a suspicious landlord, and finally secure a room from a reluctant old woman named Mrs. Morran.
Themes in this chapter
Adventure and Heroism
Dickson's spontaneous decision to explore the westward peninsula and the discovery of the mysterious house set the stage for an unexpected adventure.
Escape and Renewal
Dickson seeks a holiday of renewal in the countryside, escaping his routine life, and the chapter emphasizes the beauty of spring and the allure of the unknown.
Characters to notice
- Dickson McCunn
Wakes irritated by Heritage, resolves to travel alone, chooses a new route, discovers Huntingtower, hears the singing, and secures lodging with Mrs. Morran.
- John Heritage
Follows Dickson, explores Dalquharter with him, recognizes the singing voice as the girl from Rome, and insists on staying in the village.
- Mrs. Morran
Reluctantly agrees to let Dickson and Heritage stay in her loft after they are turned away from the inn.
- Dobson
Mentioned as the innkeeper of the Cruives, a suspicious man with a licensed victualler appearance.
Key passages
“Sich poetry! ... And yon blethers about the workingman!”
Dickson dismisses Heritage's poetry and political talk as nonsense.
Shows Dickson's irritation with Heritage's iconoclastic views.
“The man's a child, and not like to grow up.”
Dickson decides Heritage is immature and unlikely to change.
Highlights Dickson's frustration and his decision to avoid Heritage.
“Let's get out of this.”
Dickson urges Heritage to leave the area around the house.
Reflects Dickson's unease and fear of the mysterious house.
“That is the voice of the girl I saw in Rome, and it is singing her song!”
Heritage recognizes the singer as the girl he met in Rome.
Reveals Heritage's emotional connection and motivation to stay.
“That fellow's a swine.”
Heritage calls the innkeeper a contemptible person.
Shows Heritage's distrust of the innkeeper and his determination to remain in Dalquharter.