Mr. Standfast · Chapter
The Wicket-Gate explained
Richard Hannay is summoned from the front by Bullivant and Macgillivray, who persuade him to undertake a new undercover mission as Cornelius Brand, a pacifist engineer from South Africa.
What happens
Richard Hannay is summoned from the front by Bullivant and Macgillivray, who persuade him to undertake a new undercover mission as Cornelius Brand, a pacifist engineer from South Africa. He visits his wounded friend Blaikie at Isham, receives a letter from the crippled Peter Pienaar, and experiences a profound vision of England's peace. He then proceeds to Fosse Manor, where he meets the eccentric Wymondham sisters and their cousin Launcelot Wake, awaiting his orders.
Themes in this chapter
Patriotism and Duty
Hannay grapples with the shame of posing as a pacifist but ultimately accepts the mission out of loyalty to his country and friends.
Sacrifice and Loss
The chapter highlights the sacrifices of Blaikie and Peter Pienaar, whose suffering inspires Hannay to endure his own trials.
Deception and Disguise
Hannay adopts the alias Cornelius Brand and a pacifist persona, beginning a new undercover role.
Characters to notice
- Richard Hannay
The protagonist, a brigadier general, is reluctantly persuaded to go undercover as Cornelius Brand.
- Sir Walter Bullivant
Recruits Hannay for a dangerous mission, insisting on secrecy and patriotism.
- Macgillivray
Present with Bullivant, supporting the recruitment of Hannay.
- Peter Pienaar
Hannay receives a letter from the crippled Peter, whose cheerfulness stiffens his resolve.
- Launcelot Wake
Cousin of the Wymondhams, a sallow, restless young man with hot eyes, met at dinner.
- Captain Robert Blaikie
A friend of Hannay, shell-shocked and recovering at Isham hospital.
Key passages
“I looked at Bullivant’s shrewd, kind old face and Macgillivray’s steady eyes. These men were my friends and wouldn’t play with Me. 'All right,' I said. 'I’m willing. What’s the first step?'”
Hannay trusts his old friends Bullivant and Macgillivray and agrees to the mission without knowing the details.
Demonstrates Hannay's loyalty and trust in his superiors.
“I had a vision of what I had been fighting for, what we all were fighting for. It was peace, deep and holy and ancient...”
Hannay experiences a profound realization that the war is ultimately about preserving the peace and beauty of England.
Key moment of emotional and patriotic revelation.
“The picture of that patient, gentle old fellow, hobbling about his compound and puzzling over his Pilgrim’s Progress, a cripple for life after five months of blazing glory, would have stiffened the back of a jellyfish.”
Peter Pienaar's cheerful endurance despite his crippling injury inspires Hannay to face his own difficult task.
Highlights the theme of fortitude and the influence of comradeship.