Kipps · Chapter
The Walshinghams explained
Kipps visits the Cootes and then the Walshinghams, navigating social etiquette and attempting to improve himself through reading and conversation.
What happens
Kipps visits the Cootes and then the Walshinghams, navigating social etiquette and attempting to improve himself through reading and conversation. He meets Helen Walshingham, who invites him to call again, and he struggles with self-doubt about his manners and appearance.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Mobility
Kipps' anxiety about manners, dress, and conversation underscores his struggle to navigate upper-class social norms after his inheritance.
Education and Self-Improvement
Kipps reads books on etiquette and literature, attempting to better himself through study and Coote's guidance.
Snobbery and Pretension
The Cootes' home and Coote's cultural artifacts reflect a pretentious display of refinement, while Kipps feels out of place.
Characters to notice
- Arthur Kipps
Visits the Cootes and Walshinghams, feels insecure about his social graces, and tries to educate himself with books on manners and conversation.
- Chester Coote
Hosts Kipps at his home, discusses reading and the Rules of Life, and lends him books.
- Helen Walshingham
Opens the door for Kipps, invites him to call again, and regards him with speculative curiosity.
- Miss Coote
Coote's sister, shows Kipps paintings and engages him in conversation about art.
Key passages
“Nothing enlarges the mind,' said Coote, 'like Travel and Books. … And they're both so easy nowadays, and so cheap!'”
Coote tells Kipps that travel and reading are the best ways to broaden one's mind, and that both are now accessible and affordable.
Coote promotes self-improvement through culture and education.
“Having thus acquired possession of an idea, the little ship should not be abruptly launched into deep waters, but should be first permitted to glide gently and smoothly into the shallows”
When you have an idea, don't state it bluntly; instead, ease into the conversation gradually.
Kipps reads from 'The Art of Conversing' on how to begin a conversation tactfully.