Moonfleet · Chapter
An Assault explained
John Trenchard describes Mr.
What happens
John Trenchard describes Mr. Maskew's character and appearance, his miserly and litigious nature, and his unpopularity in Moonfleet due to his harsh enforcement of property laws and opposition to smuggling. The chapter recounts an incident where Maskew confronts the Reverend Mr. Glennie in the schoolroom over a gravestone epitaph for David Block, insults him, and strikes him with a fish. John's admiration for Grace Maskew is also revealed, as well as his anger at her father's treatment of the parson.
Themes in this chapter
Class and Social Decay
The dilapidated Manor House and the decline of the Mohune Estate symbolize social decay, while Maskew's miserly and litigious behavior highlights class tensions.
Revenge and Justice
Maskew's assault on Mr. Glennie and his threats to remove the gravestone reflect a personal vendetta, while the villagers' hatred of Maskew hints at a desire for retribution.
Characters to notice
- John Trenchard
Narrator and witness to the assault; describes his fondness for Grace Maskew and his anger at Mr. Maskew's treatment of Mr. Glennie.
- Mr. Maskew
Antagonistic magistrate and father of Grace; confronts Mr. Glennie over the gravestone epitaph and strikes him with a fish.
- Grace Maskew
Mr. Maskew's daughter; a playfellow and object of John's affection; present during the confrontation and taken away by her father.
- Reverend Mr. Glennie
Schoolmaster and minister; assaulted by Mr. Maskew with a fish after refusing to remove the gravestone epitaph.
- Fred Burt
Schoolboy sent by John to fetch a gridiron for cooking the fish.
Key passages
“He had a thin face with a sharp nose that looked as if it would peck you, and grey eyes that could pierce a millstone if there was a guinea on the far side of it.”
His thin face and sharp nose gave him a birdlike appearance, and his grey eyes were intensely focused on money.
Describes Mr. Maskew's physical appearance and greedy nature.
“I can neither turn the stone out myself, nor stop you from turning it out if you so mind; but if you do this thing, and dishonour the graveyard, there is One stronger than either you or I that must be reckoned with.”
Mr. Glennie admits he cannot prevent Maskew from removing the gravestone, but warns that God will judge him for dishonoring the churchyard.
Mr. Glennie's response to Maskew's threat to remove David Block's headstone.
“But Maskew puts his arms behind his back and bubbles out, 'Hold not out your hand to me lest I spit on it.'”
Maskew refuses to shake Mr. Glennie's hand and insults him.
Shows Maskew's contempt for Mr. Glennie.