Mary, Mary · Chapter
Chapter X explained
Mary Makebelieve meets a policeman in Phoenix Park, who impresses her with his knowledge and size.
What happens
Mary Makebelieve meets a policeman in Phoenix Park, who impresses her with his knowledge and size. She feels shy and self-conscious, especially about her short dress, and struggles to speak. He escorts her through the park, and she eventually bids him goodbye, feeling both awed and distressed.
Themes in this chapter
Coming of Age and Sexuality
Mary's encounter with the policeman highlights her awakening to adult social dynamics and her discomfort with her own body and attire.
Social Class and Aspiration
The policeman's learned conversation and Mary's awe reflect class and educational differences, as well as her aspiration to appear proper.
Appearance and Dress
Mary's distress over her short skirt and false hem underscores her preoccupation with how she is perceived.
Characters to notice
- Mary Makebelieve
Meets a policeman in the park, feels shy and self-conscious about her appearance and inability to converse.
- The Man
A large policeman who converses with Mary, explaining various facts about the park and displaying his knowledge.
Key passages
“She wished frantically that her dress was longer than it was—that false hem!”
Mary desperately wanted her dress to be longer, regretting the fake hem that made it seem shorter.
Mary's anxiety about her appearance and modesty in front of the policeman.
“He interpreted it rightly as the natural homage of a girl to a policeman.”
He correctly understood her silence as the proper respect a girl should show to a policeman.
The policeman's condescending view of Mary's shyness.
“The specific gravity of that hand seemed tremendous; she could imagine it holding down the strong neck of a bull.”
His hand appeared incredibly heavy and powerful, as if it could restrain a bull.
Mary's awe at the policeman's physical size and strength.