Kipps · Chapter
Terminations explained
The chapter concludes Kipps' story with a reflective epilogue, showing him as a contented bookseller in Hythe, married to Ann with a child.
What happens
The chapter concludes Kipps' story with a reflective epilogue, showing him as a contented bookseller in Hythe, married to Ann with a child. It recounts his final interactions with Chitterlow, whose play becomes a success, and his financial recovery after losing his fortune, ending with a quiet row on the canal where he muses on life's strangeness.
Themes in this chapter
The Search for Happiness
Kipps finds contentment in a simple life with Ann, despite financial ups and downs, reflecting on the 'Rum Go' of existence.
Wealth and Its Consequences
Kipps loses his fortune but recovers a modest sum, learning that wealth is transient and not the key to happiness.
Friendship and Loyalty
Chitterlow's emotional return and Kipps' support for him highlight enduring friendship despite past troubles.
Characters to notice
- Arthur Kipps
Now a bookseller in Hythe, reflecting on his past and enjoying a quiet life with Ann.
- Ann Pornick
Kipps' wife, mother of his child, supportive and content in their modest life.
- Harry Chitterlow
Returns in a state of emotional triumph after his play becomes a success, having received two thousand pounds from Kipps.
- Buggins
Mentioned as a source of quotes for Kipps, now running a shop in Folkestone.
Key passages
“I seen some things... Raver! Life! Why! once I—I 'loped ! I did—reely!”
Kipps hints at his adventurous past, including eloping, to a customer.
Shows Kipps' reflective and slightly boastful nature in his later years.
“My play, boo-hoo!... It's a success! My dear chap! my dear boy! oh! it's a—bu—boo-hoo!—a big success!”
Chitterlow bursts into tears of joy upon telling Kipps his play is a hit.
Highlights Chitterlow's theatrical and emotional personality.
“We 'ave been 'appy, Ann... some'ow... togever.”
Kipps confesses to Ann that despite hardships, they have been happy together.
Emphasizes the theme of finding happiness in simple companionship.