Mary Olivier: A Life · Chapter
Chapter VI explained
Mary, now seven, experiences a terrifying visit to the City of London Cemetery with Mamma and Aunt Lavvy, where she confronts death and the fear of resurrection.
What happens
Mary, now seven, experiences a terrifying visit to the City of London Cemetery with Mamma and Aunt Lavvy, where she confronts death and the fear of resurrection. Her nightmares intensify, and she struggles with religious teachings that frighten her. Mamma's bravery contrasts with Mary's fear, and Mark's comfort offers some solace.
Themes in this chapter
Death and Grief
Mary's encounter with the cemetery and her subsequent nightmares highlight her early confrontation with death and the fear it instills.
Religious Doubt and Philosophical Search
Mary's prayers and fears about the Resurrection reflect her struggle with religious concepts and her attempt to find comfort in faith.
Characters to notice
- Mary Olivier
Mary is deeply affected by the cemetery visit, experiencing nightmares and religious fears. She seeks comfort from Mamma and Mark.
- Mamma
Mamma takes Mary and Roddy to the cemetery, showing bravery but also a lack of awareness of Mary's fear. She dismisses Mary's nighttime fears.
- Mark Olivier
Mark defends Mamma's decision to take them to the funeral and comforts Mary when she is frightened at bedtime.
- Roddy Olivier
Roddy accompanies Mary to the cemetery and tries to frighten her with talk of plague pits, but also shares her fear.
- Lavinia Olivier
Aunt Lavvy joins the trip to the cemetery and comments on Aunt Charlotte's absence, showing a practical and somewhat detached demeanor.
Key passages
“Mamma told Mr. Parish to drive round to the Leytonstone side and wait for them there at the big gates. They wanted to walk through the cemetery and see what was to be seen.”
Mamma instructed Mr. Parish to take the wagonette to the other side of the cemetery while they walked through, eager to explore the grounds.
This shows Mamma's practical approach and her desire to make the outing an adventure, unaware of the fear it would cause Mary.
“Roddy said, 'We've got to go all through this to get to the other side.' They could see Mamma and Aunt Lavvy a long way on in front picking their way gingerly among the furrows.”
Roddy pointed out the long walk ahead, while Mamma and Aunt Lavvy were already far ahead, carefully navigating the uneven ground.
The description of the cemetery as a 'ploughed-up plain' emphasizes the rawness and unsettling nature of the place for the children.
“She said, 'Please, God, keep me from thinking about the Resurrection. Please God, keep me from dreaming about coffins and funerals and ghosts and skeletons and corpses.'”
Mary prayed desperately to be spared from thoughts of the Resurrection and nightmares about death and the dead.
This prayer reveals Mary's deep anxiety and her attempt to use religion as a shield against her fears.