New Grub Street · Chapter
Work Without Hope explained
Jasper Milvain visits the Reardons and announces he has moved his sisters to London.
What happens
Jasper Milvain visits the Reardons and announces he has moved his sisters to London. He offers to help Reardon by getting his novel reviewed by Fadge, but Reardon refuses. Jasper discusses his many literary acquaintances, including Mrs. Boston Wright and the publisher Jedwood, and suggests Reardon submit his one-volume story to Jedwood. The visit ends with tension between Reardon and Amy, who urges her husband to be more sociable and ambitious.
Themes in this chapter
The Literary Marketplace
Jasper's discussion of publishers, reviewers, and literary acquaintances highlights the commercial and networking aspects of the literary world.
Ambition and Failure
Reardon's refusal to seek advancement contrasts with Jasper's relentless networking, illustrating the tension between artistic integrity and the drive for success.
Friendship and Betrayal
The strained interaction between Reardon and Jasper reflects a growing distance in their friendship, exacerbated by differing fortunes.
Characters to notice
- Jasper Milvain
Visits the Reardons, announces his sisters have moved to London, offers to help Reardon with a review and introductions to publishers.
- Edwin Reardon
Receives Jasper coolly, refuses his offer of a review, is writing a one-volume story but feels hopeless about his career.
- Amy Reardon
Listens to Jasper's suggestions with interest, urges Reardon to be more sociable, feels the strain in her marriage.
- Marian Yule
Mentioned as having visited Jasper's sisters and made friends with them.
- Whelpdale
Mentioned as having set up as a 'literary adviser' despite his own failures.
- Mrs. Boston Wright
Mentioned as a well-connected literary hostess who edits 'The English Girl' and has promised to help Jasper's sisters.
Key passages
“I suppose it doesn't alter his position”
Amy dismisses the news about Jasper's mother's will as irrelevant to his situation.
Shows Amy's lack of interest in Jasper's family matters.
“Your book is announced, I see”
Jasper tells Reardon that his new novel is advertised for publication.
Jasper tries to engage Reardon in professional talk.
“I strongly advise you to let it take its chance”
Reardon refuses Jasper's offer to get his book reviewed, saying it isn't worth special notice.
Reardon's low self-esteem and rejection of help.
“A man who can't get anyone to publish his own books makes a living by telling other people how to write!”
Jasper finds it ironic that Whelpdale, a failed author, now works as a literary adviser.
Highlights the absurdities of the literary marketplace.
“I wish to Heaven I knew!”
Reardon admits he has no idea what else he could do for a living.
Reardon's despair about his future.