Moonfleet · Chapter
An Auction explained
The chapter details the auction of the Why Not?
What happens
The chapter details the auction of the Why Not? inn, where Mr. Maskew outbids Elzevir Block in a tense bidding war, ultimately winning the lease. Elzevir loses his home and livelihood, and the chapter ends with his despair and John Trenchard's attempt to comfort him.
Themes in this chapter
Greed and Its Consequences
Maskew's spiteful bidding drives the rent to 200 pounds, ruining Elzevir and showing the destructive power of greed.
Class and Social Decay
The auction highlights the power imbalance between Maskew (a gentleman) and Elzevir (an innkeeper), leading to social displacement.
Characters to notice
- Elzevir Block
Loses the inn in a bitter auction to Maskew, sits in despair afterward.
- John Trenchard
Observes the auction, tries to comfort Elzevir after the loss.
- Mr. Maskew
Bids aggressively to win the inn, carries a pistol, and shows spite toward Elzevir.
- Mr. Bailiff
Oversees the auction, offers Elzevir the Mermaid inn, leaves after the lease is sealed.
- Mr. Clerk
Records the bids and prepares the lease document.
Key passages
“Life is like a game of hazard, and surely none ever flung worse throws, or made so little of them as I.”
Life is like a dice game, and no one has ever had worse luck or made less of their opportunities than I have.
Elzevir laments his misfortune after losing the inn.
“I offer 13 a year for the inn.”
I bid 13 pounds per year for the inn.
Maskew's opening bid in the auction.
“Signed, sealed, and delivered.”
The document has been signed, sealed with wax, and officially handed over.
The clerk's formal declaration completing the lease transfer.