# III explained — Memoirs of a Foxhunting Man

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

## What happens

The narrator recalls his early days with his first pony, Rob Roy, and his riding lessons with Dixon. He describes his nervousness about jumping and his dreamy, unpractical nature. A solo ride ends in humiliation when Rob Roy bolts home, leading to an awkward encounter with Mr. Star and a fussy reception from the household. Dixon's tactful silence the next day restores the narrator's composure.

## Themes in this chapter

### Coming of Age and Identity

The narrator's struggle with nervousness, humiliation, and the desire to prove himself as a horseman reflects his awkward transition from boyhood.

### Innocence and Naivety

The narrator's fantasy of foxhunting glory and his literal reading of Surtees highlight his childish innocence.

### Friendship and Male Bonding

Dixon's patient teaching and tactful silence after the mishap contrast with the fussy female concern, underscoring a quiet male bond.

## Character check-ins

### George Sherston

Recalls his childhood with Rob Roy, his nervousness about jumping, and his humiliating solo ride.

### Tom Dixon

Patiently teaches the narrator to ride, permits his first solo ride, and later shows tactful silence about the mishap.

### Rob Roy

The narrator's first pony, described as nimble and courageous, who bolts home during the solo ride.

### Aunt Evelyn

Worries about the narrator after Rob Roy returns without him, then scolds him for his rudeness.

### Mr. Star

Encountered on the road after the narrator loses Rob Roy; his gentle inquiry causes embarrassment.

## Key lines

> I cannot help suspecting that I was, by nature, only half a sportsman.

The narrator doubts his innate sporting instincts.

_Reflects his self-awareness of an 'unmanly' element in his character._

> My devotion to him was therefore well justified.

His love for Rob Roy was deserved.

_Expresses the deep bond with his first pony._

> If only I could begin my ride all over again! How careful I would be!

He wishes he could redo the ride with more caution.

_Captures his regret and panic after losing Rob Roy._

> His impassive face made not the slightest reference to yesterday's calamity and this tactful silence more than ever assured me of his infinite superiority to those chattering females in the kitchen.

Dixon's silence about the incident confirmed his superiority over the fussy women.

_Highlights the narrator's admiration for Dixon's discretion._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se/chapters/iii
- 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