Just William · Chapter
IV: The Fall of the Idol explained
William develops a crush on his teacher Miss Drew, leading him to steal hothouse flowers from his own garden to impress her, then later break into a stranger's house to steal syringa.
What happens
William develops a crush on his teacher Miss Drew, leading him to steal hothouse flowers from his own garden to impress her, then later break into a stranger's house to steal syringa. His infatuation causes him to feign academic interest, but his efforts are clumsy and ultimately lead to embarrassment and a police scare.
Themes in this chapter
Romance and Infatuation
William's sudden crush on Miss Drew drives his actions, from stealing flowers to feigning interest in lessons.
Rebellion and Authority
William defies social norms and school rules by stealing and breaking into a house to impress his teacher.
Childhood vs. Adulthood
William's childish attempts at romance contrast with the adult world of responsibility and consequences.
Characters to notice
- William Brown
Develops a romantic infatuation with Miss Drew, steals flowers to impress her, and struggles with schoolwork.
- Miss Drew
William's teacher and object of his affection; she is patient but exasperated by his behavior.
- Ethel Brown
William's sister who reports the theft of hothouse flowers to the police.
- Mr. Brown
William's father, who is annoyed by William's questions about the Armada and interest rates.
- Eric
A classmate mentioned in William's refusal to lend money.
Key passages
“William gasped. He went home her devoted slave.”
William was stunned and became completely devoted to Miss Drew.
Marks the moment William's infatuation solidifies.
“He came out staggering beneath a piled-up basket of hothouse blooms. The hothouse itself was bare and desolate.”
He emerged carrying a huge basket of flowers, having stripped the hothouse completely.
Illustrates William's extreme effort to impress Miss Drew.
“William would have no half-measures. They were to be married by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, or else the Pope.”
William imagined an extravagant wedding with the highest religious authorities.
Shows William's grandiose fantasies about his crush.
“He took it dripping from the vase, and was preparing to depart, when the door opened and a fat woman appeared upon the threshold.”
He grabbed the wet syringa from the vase, but a woman entered the room just as he was about to leave.
Climax of William's theft attempt, leading to his escape.