New Grub Street · Chapter
The Way Hither explained
This chapter provides a detailed backstory of Edwin Reardon's life, from his childhood in Hereford to his struggles as a struggling writer in London.
What happens
This chapter provides a detailed backstory of Edwin Reardon's life, from his childhood in Hereford to his struggles as a struggling writer in London. It recounts his inheritance, his years of poverty in a garret, his eventual clerkship at a hospital, and his early literary efforts. The chapter culminates in his meeting with Amy Yule at the Grosvenor Gallery, an event that will shape his future.
Themes in this chapter
Poverty and Class
Reardon's extreme poverty in his garret, living on a shilling a day, contrasts with his later social ascent and the class anxieties of his marriage.
Ambition and Failure
Reardon's literary ambitions are repeatedly thwarted by financial failure, yet he persists, driven by a desire to live by the pen.
Artistic Integrity vs. Commercialism
Reardon's novels are psychological and lack popular appeal, highlighting the tension between artistic merit and commercial success.
Characters to notice
- Edwin Reardon
Protagonist; his early life, literary struggles, and meeting with Amy Yule are detailed.
- Mr. Carter
Secretary of the hospital who hires Reardon as a clerk and later introduces him to John Yule.
- John Yule
Friend of Carter and Reardon; introduces Reardon to his mother and sister, Amy.
- Amy Reardon
Introduced as John Yule's sister; Reardon meets her at the Grosvenor Gallery.
- Mrs. Edmund Yule
Mother of John and Amy; speaks with Reardon at the gallery.
Key passages
“He could not resist the temptation to recover his freedom. Four hundred pounds, at the rate of eighty pounds a year, meant five years of literary endeavour.”
The inheritance tempted him to quit his job, calculating that the money would support him for five years of writing.
Reardon's decision to leave his clerkship for full-time writing, driven by hope and financial miscalculation.
“He was the kind of man who cannot struggle against adverse conditions, but whom prosperity warms to the exercise of his powers.”
Reardon's creativity flourished in comfort but withered under hardship.
Character insight into Reardon's dependence on favorable circumstances for productivity.
“The injury to his pride made him savagely arrogant; for days after the last rejection he hid himself in his garret, hating the world.”
Rejection made him bitter and reclusive, nursing his wounded pride in isolation.
Psychological impact of failure on Reardon's temperament.