# Early Days explained — Memoirs of a Foxhunting Man

> Chapter companion for Memoirs of a Foxhunting Man by Siegfried Sassoon.

## What happens

The narrator recalls his early childhood and the beginning of his equestrian life, from the acquisition of his first pony, Rob Roy, under the guidance of the groom Tom Dixon, to his first day of foxhunting at Finchurst Green. The chapter captures his nervous excitement, his growing bond with Dixon, and his initial awe and confusion upon entering the hunting field.

## Themes in this chapter

### Coming of Age and Identity

George's transition from a nervous boy to a young rider, marked by his first hunt and his growing confidence under Dixon's tutelage.

### Innocence and Naivety

George's naive awe at the hunting world, his fear of making a fool of himself, and his misunderstanding of the angry huntsman's outburst.

### Social Class and Hierarchy

The clear distinction between Dixon as a groom and George as his 'young gentleman,' and the narrator's awareness of his outsider status at the meet.

## Character check-ins

### George Sherston

The narrator, a nervous and dreamy boy, experiences his first pony ride and first day of foxhunting.

### Tom Dixon

The groom who patiently teaches George to ride, arranges the purchase of Rob Roy, and accompanies him to his first meet.

### Aunt Evelyn

George's aunt, who initially fusses over his riding but eventually allows him to go hunting.

### Rob Roy

George's first pony, described as a 'perfect picture of a miniature hunter' and much beloved.

### Sheila

One of the horses George rides, mentioned in the context of Dixon's training rides.

### Sibson

The lame shoeing-smith who peers out at George and Dixon as they leave for the hunt.

## Key lines

> It’ll do them good to have a pipe-opener

A brisk gallop will be beneficial for the horses.

_Dixon's casual remark about taking shortcuts across country to give the horses exercise._

> I think, ’m, you can rely on me to take proper care of Master George

I assure you, madam, that I will look after Master George properly.

_Dixon's stiff reassurance to Aunt Evelyn about taking George to the meet._

> What the bloody hell do you think you’re here for?

Why are you standing there?

_The angry huntsman's outburst, which George mistakenly thinks is directed at him._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se/chapters/i-early-days
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se/chapters