# Migration to the Midlands explained — Memoirs of a Foxhunting Man

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

## What happens

George Sherston moves to the Packlestone country to hunt with Denis Milden, despite financial strain. He buys new horses, acclimates to the new terrain and society, and enjoys a season of hunting while ignoring his impending debt. The chapter ends with his wistful fantasies of London high society, which he cannot afford.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Hierarchy

George's false position in Packlestone society, where he is assumed wealthier than he is, and his awareness of class distinctions among the hunt.

### Financial Instability and Social Pretense

George's inability to afford the season, his debt of £300, and his pretense of affluence to fit in with the prosperous hunt members.

### Sport as a Way of Life

The detailed description of hunting, cubbing, and the Packlestone country as a central focus of George's existence.

## Character check-ins

### George Sherston

Narrator and protagonist; moves to Packlestone, buys horses, hunts, and worries about debt.

### Tom Dixon

George's groom; brings the horses to Packlestone, acts as second-horseman, and is delighted with his new role.

### Denis Milden

Master of the Packlestone Hunt; George's friend and host, who discusses finances and the country with George.

### Stephen Colwood

Friend who approves of George's hunting project.

### Aunt Evelyn

George's aunt; left at Butley with Harkaway, but cordially approves of his move.

### Cockbird

One of George's new horses; a broken-winded chestnut that turns out to be a wonderful jumper.

## Key lines

> I'll have one good season, anyhow, whatever happens afterwards!

George decides to enjoy the hunting season regardless of future financial consequences.

_Shows his reckless determination to prioritize immediate pleasure over long-term stability._

> I was putting myself in a false position in more ways than one: financially, because I should be spending my whole year's income in less than six months; and socially, because the people in the Packlestone Hunt quite naturally assumed that I was much better off than I really was.

George acknowledges that his move to Packlestone creates both a financial strain and a social deception.

_Highlights the dual theme of financial instability and social pretense._

> How privileged and unperturbed they appeared—those dwellers in a sporting Elysium!

George idealizes the hunt members as carefree and secure in their privileged world.

_Reflects his naive admiration and the theme of social class._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se/chapters/viii-migration-to-the-midlands
- 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