# The Wicket-Gate explained — Mr. Standfast

> Chapter companion for Mr. Standfast by John Buchan.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/mr_standfast_se/chapters/part-i-i-the-wicket-gate
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/mr_standfast_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/mr_standfast_se/chapters