Miss Mole · Chapter
XXIII explained
Hannah reflects on her own character and compares Uncle Jim's natural authority to Robert Corder's need for recognition.
What happens
Hannah reflects on her own character and compares Uncle Jim's natural authority to Robert Corder's need for recognition. During supper, Uncle Jim's lack of storytelling disappoints Corder, but Hannah's witty remarks about a hissing gas light break the tension. Later, Hannah contemplates her role as an artist in her own sphere, deciding to resist pandering to Corder's expectations. After a liberating tea with Mr. Blenkinsop, she returns to find Uncle Jim distributing Chinese silks, and Ruth eagerly plans a frock for the Spenser-Smith party. Hannah is given a roll of silk despite her protests.
Themes in this chapter
Identity and Self-Perception
Hannah compares her own need for position to Robert Corder's, resolves to be an artist in her sphere, and decides to express her own conception of a housekeeper rather than Corder's.
Power and Control in Domestic Life
Robert Corder's authority is challenged by Uncle Jim's natural command; Hannah asserts independence by refusing to pander to Corder's notions.
Class and Social Mobility
Hannah's position as housekeeper is contrasted with the family's social aspirations; the Spenser-Smith party and silk gifts highlight class distinctions.
Characters to notice
- Miss Hannah Mole
Reflects on her own character and resolves to be an artist in her sphere; enjoys witty banter with Robert Corder; feels gay and conceited after tea with Mr. Blenkinsop; accepts a roll of silk from Uncle Jim.
- Robert Corder
Acts as host but is exasperated by Uncle Jim's lack of anecdotes; condescends to jest with Hannah; insists Hannah write a separate note to Mrs. Spenser-Smith.
- Uncle Jim
Visits the Corder household; is unresponsive to requests for stories; offers to fix the gas light; distributes Chinese silks to the family.
- Ruth
Looks with shining eyes at Uncle Jim; excited about the silk and the Spenser-Smith party; urges Hannah to come see the silks.
- Ethel Corder
Wears an extra necklace and bright blue frock; is anxious about conversation between her father and Uncle Jim.
- Mr. Blenkinsop
Hannah had tea with him; he laughed and smiled at her conversation; a potential fellow-sinner.
Key passages
“Uncle Jim’s authority was that of the man who knew his trade and had his position as a consequence and a matter of course, while, with Robert Corder, the position came first, and the authority derived from it was a constant source of gratification and made a constant demand for recognition.”
Uncle Jim's authority came naturally from his skill and experience, whereas Robert Corder's authority was based on his title and required constant validation.
Hannah contrasts the two men's sources of authority.
“This decision to be a conscientious artist was an inspiriting one, particularly as it exacted the expression of her own, and not Robert Corder’s, conception of what the housekeeper to a Nonconformist minister should be.”
Hannah resolves to be an artist in her work, defining her role as housekeeper on her own terms rather than conforming to Corder's expectations.
Hannah's internal resolution to assert her individuality.
“I’ve spoilt your Christmas pudding and now I’ve spoilt your goose.”
Hannah jokes that she has ruined both the Christmas pudding and the goose, playing on the double meaning of 'cooking one's goose.'
Hannah's witty exchange with Robert Corder.