# Chapter XX explained — Miss Mole

> Chapter companion for Miss Mole by E. H. Young.

## What happens

Hannah Mole advises Ethel Corder on her relationship with Mr. Pilgrim, cautioning her to wait for him to speak again. Later, Hannah has a tense conversation with Robert Corder, who is disturbed by rumors and Mr. Blenkinsop's behavior. Hannah reflects on her own precarious position and the threat Mr. Pilgrim poses to her past secrets. The chapter ends with Ethel excited about Mr. Pilgrim's visit to the Girls' Club, and Hannah subtly discourages her from inviting him to tea.

## Themes in this chapter

### Truth, Deception, and Moral Ambiguity

Hannah navigates deception in her conversation with Robert Corder, hiding her true thoughts and past while maintaining a facade of innocence.

### Loneliness and the Search for Connection

Hannah reflects on her fragile happiness and the loneliness of her position, while Ethel expresses a longing for maternal guidance.

### Power and Control in Domestic Life

Hannah subtly manipulates Ethel's decisions and manages Robert Corder's suspicions, illustrating the dynamics of power within the household.

## Character check-ins

### Miss Hannah Mole

Hannah advises Ethel, confronts Robert Corder, and reflects on her past and the danger Mr. Pilgrim represents.

### Ethel Corder

Ethel seeks Hannah's advice about Mr. Pilgrim and is excited about his visit to the Girls' Club.

### Robert Corder

Robert Corder confronts Hannah about Mr. Blenkinsop and hints at disturbing rumors he has heard.

### Ruth

Ruth shows concern for Hannah's tiredness and mentions Wilfrid's kindness after the concert.

### Mr. Pilgrim

Mr. Pilgrim is the obvious danger to Hannah; he visits the Girls' Club and shows interest in Ethel.

### Doris

Doris returns from visiting her young man's mother, happy and proud.

## Key lines

> you mustn’t take my advice. You must do as you think best.

Hannah tells Ethel not to rely on her advice but to make her own decision.

_Hannah uses this to ease her conscience after subtly discouraging Ethel from inviting Mr. Pilgrim to tea._

> I did hear something tonight which disturbed me a little

Robert Corder admits to Hannah that he heard something troubling about her.

_This creates tension and foreshadows the threat Mr. Pilgrim poses to Hannah's secrets._

> The obvious danger was Mr. Pilgrim. He was not the only person who knew Hannah Mole outside her professional capacity

Hannah realizes Mr. Pilgrim is the most immediate threat, but there may be others who know her past.

_Highlights Hannah's anxiety and the precariousness of her position in the household._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/miss_mole_se/chapters/xx
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/miss_mole_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/miss_mole_se/chapters