# XXXVII explained — Miss Mole

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

## What happens

Hannah Mole reflects on her past and her cottage, which she had saved from her father's estate and prepared for her soldier lover who never returned. She resolves to stop Mr. Blenkinsop from taking the cottage, fearing it will bring unhappiness. After a restless night, she throws herself into domestic work, turning out cupboards and mending sheets, which Ruth observes with concern. Ruth suspects Hannah is worried about something, but Hannah deflects. They plan a walk together, and Ethel, surprisingly pleasant, agrees to look after the house. Unbeknownst to them, Mr. Pilgrim is ingratiating himself with Robert Corder. Hannah and Ruth explore the docks and a rough part of Radstowe, enjoying a mild day.

## Themes in this chapter

### Loneliness and the Search for Connection

Hannah's solitary reflection on her lost love and her cottage, and her attempt to suppress emotions through work, highlight her deep loneliness and yearning for connection.

### Truth, Deception, and Moral Ambiguity

Hannah hides her true feelings from Ruth, and Mr. Pilgrim's manipulation of Robert Corder through shared scandal underscores themes of deception.

### Appearance vs. Reality

Hannah's cheerful domestic activity masks her inner turmoil; Ethel's pleasant demeanor hides her self-interest; the mild day contrasts with underlying tensions.

## Character check-ins

### Miss Hannah Mole

Reflects on her past love and cottage; engages in frenetic housework to suppress emotions; plans a walk with Ruth.

### Ruth

Watches Hannah's unusual activity with suspicion; questions her motives; goes on a walk with Hannah to the docks.

### Ethel Corder

Shows uncharacteristic pleasantness and agrees to look after the house; prefers Hannah over Miss Patsy Withers as a stepmother.

### Mr. Blenkinsop

Hannah thinks about warning him against taking the cottage; she recalls his confidence in her.

### Robert Corder

Mr. Pilgrim is attempting to ingratiate himself with him by sharing a piece of scandal.

### Mr. Pilgrim

Chooses this day to ingratiate himself with Robert Corder, sharing a scandal to bond with him.

## Key lines

> She ought to have told Mr. Blenkinsop to give up all thoughts of the little house. It was ill-omened, it was a place in which no happiness would be found.

Hannah feels she should have warned Mr. Blenkinsop against taking the cottage, believing it is cursed and will bring no joy.

_Reflects Hannah's guilt and superstition about the cottage's history._

> It had been on the tip of her tongue to say that in saving the sheets from wearing out, she was trying to wear out her emotions, but that was not an answer for Ruth, and she knew Ruth’s questions often had more purpose than a desire for direct information.

Hannah almost admits that her frantic mending is a way to exhaust her feelings, but she stops herself, aware that Ruth's questions are probing deeper.

_Reveals Hannah's emotional state and her guardedness with Ruth._

> It is more blessed to give than to receive, she said aloud, and she raised dubious eyebrows above her closed eyelids and turned down the corners of her mouth, for she had made previous trial of giving and not receiving.

Hannah quotes the biblical saying but is skeptical, having experienced giving without receiving in return.

_Highlights Hannah's past disappointments and her ironic view of selflessness._

## Links

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