Miss Mole · Chapter
XIII explained
Ruth struggles with her dissatisfaction with her home life and her father's shortcomings, contrasting her reality with an idealized vision of a vicarage.
What happens
Ruth struggles with her dissatisfaction with her home life and her father's shortcomings, contrasting her reality with an idealized vision of a vicarage. She keeps her school life separate from home, but her shame is triggered when she sees Miss Mole in an old ulster and fails to acknowledge her. Later, she confesses her disloyalty to Miss Mole, who responds with humor and understanding, easing Ruth's guilt and deepening their connection.
Themes in this chapter
Identity and Self-Perception
Ruth struggles with her dual identity: the rebellious, witty schoolgirl and the dissatisfied, brooding daughter at home. Her failure to acknowledge Miss Mole highlights her fear of how her school friends perceive her.
Class and Social Mobility
Ruth's fantasy of a refined vicarage with ancestral portraits and public school sons contrasts sharply with her Nonconformist home, reflecting her desire for upward social mobility.
Truth, Deception, and Moral Ambiguity
Ruth's confession to Miss Mole is incomplete; she omits the full extent of her disloyalty, rationalizing that full honesty would hurt Miss Mole's feelings. The chapter explores the gray area between truth and kindness.
Characters to notice
- Ruth
Ruth is in a state of rebellion against imperfection in her life, idealizing a different home and father. She feels guilt after failing to acknowledge Miss Mole in public, but finds relief in Miss Mole's understanding response.
- Miss Hannah Mole
Miss Mole is seen by Ruth in an old ulster, which causes Ruth embarrassment. Later, Miss Mole shows humor and insight, easing Ruth's guilt and offering a shared moment of connection over mushrooms.
- Robert Corder
Robert Corder is mentioned as Ruth's father, whose didactic and petty behavior contributes to Ruth's dissatisfaction and her desire for a different kind of father.
- Ethel Corder
Ethel is mentioned as Ruth's sister, whose unreasonable behavior is part of the imperfection Ruth rebels against.
- Mrs. Corder
The late Mrs. Corder is remembered by Ruth as a source of softness, grace, and humor, and her death has left a void in Ruth's life.
Key passages
“She was like Peter: she had denied her friend, and if those girls ever saw the ulster again and recognised Miss Mole as the wearer, what would they think of Ruth?”
Ruth compares herself to the biblical Peter, feeling she has betrayed Miss Mole by not acknowledging her in public, and fears the social consequences if her friends later recognize Miss Mole.
This moment captures Ruth's guilt and her fear of social judgment, central to her internal conflict.
“Miss Mole patted the abominable ulster. 'It can't get through this. Do go and change or you'll have a cold and it seems a pity to waste one when there isn't a party to dodge.'”
Miss Mole humorously deflects Ruth's concern about her wet coat, suggesting that catching a cold would be pointless without a party to avoid.
Miss Mole's wit and kindness help ease Ruth's guilt, showing her understanding nature.
“She felt, rather than thought, that Miss Mole's mind could overleap gaps and understand how they came there, and when she went down to the kitchen, she felt stiff and awkward in the consciousness of a surrender she had been determined not to make.”
Ruth senses that Miss Mole intuitively understands her unspoken thoughts and omissions, and feels awkward about the emotional surrender this implies.
This highlights the growing trust and emotional intimacy between Ruth and Miss Mole.