# XXIX explained — Miss Mole

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

## What happens

At Mrs. Spenser-Smith's party, Mr. Pilgrim recites a poem, causing mixed reactions. Hannah observes the Corder family dynamics, feeling responsible for Ethel and Ruth. She discusses her farm business with Robert Corder and deflects Mr. Blenkinsop's advances.

## Themes in this chapter

### Appearance vs. Reality

Hannah observes the contrast between Robert Corder's public persona and his private behavior, and between Mr. Pilgrim's performance and the audience's true feelings.

### Loneliness and the Search for Connection

Ethel's desperate desire for love makes her vulnerable to Mr. Pilgrim's attention, while Hannah deflects Mr. Blenkinsop's advances.

### Gender Roles and Female Agency

Hannah navigates male authority figures like Robert Corder and Mr. Blenkinsop while asserting her independence regarding her farm business.

## Character check-ins

### Miss Hannah Mole

Feels responsible for the Corder children, reflects on Ethel's vulnerability, and requests a day off to attend to farm business.

### Ethel Corder

Flushed with excitement and resentment, she is drawn to Mr. Pilgrim and reacts to her father's disapproval.

### Ruth

Tired and leaning contentedly against her uncle, she is contrasted with Ethel's turmoil.

### Robert Corder

Approves of Hannah's humor, discusses her farm business, and shows a softer side but remains blind to family tensions.

### Mr. Blenkinsop

Seeks Hannah's company during the dance and expresses dismay at Mr. Pilgrim's recitation.

### Uncle Jim

Dances with Ruth and appears unaffected by opinion, serving as a contrast to the Corders.

## Key lines

> Hannah renewed her unreasonable feeling of responsibility for them all, and now it was not Ruth, but Ethel, who demanded most of her.

Hannah felt an irrational duty to care for the Corder children, with Ethel now needing more attention than Ruth.

_Highlights Hannah's maternal concern and the shifting dynamics among the siblings._

> She hoped Mr. Corder would be able to spare her for a whole day, before long; she had business to do in the country.

Hannah asked Robert Corder for a day off to attend to her farm affairs.

_Shows Hannah's attempt to manage her own property while working as a housekeeper._

> Mr. Pilgrim was a tragedian and he did not spare himself.

Mr. Pilgrim performed the poem with full dramatic intensity.

_Describes the over-the-top nature of Mr. Pilgrim's recitation._

## Links

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