# XXVII: The Lonely Man explained — New Grub Street

> Chapter companion for New Grub Street by George Gissing.

## What happens

Reardon, living in isolation and poverty, receives a letter from Amy informing him of her inheritance of ten thousand pounds and offering to reunite. He responds by declining her offer, insisting that without love there is no true marital obligation, and resolves to cease sending money. Earlier, Reardon and Biffen dine with Mr. Sykes, a failed writer who recounts his struggles in the literary marketplace.

## Themes in this chapter

### Poverty and Class

Reardon's struggle with destitution and his horror of the workhouse are central, as is the discussion of how poverty degrades relationships.

### Marriage and Money

Amy's inheritance and her offer to reunite with Reardon highlight the intersection of financial security and marital obligation.

### Artistic Integrity vs. Commercialism

Mr. Sykes's account of writing for the market and failing to produce serious fiction illustrates the tension between artistic ambition and commercial demands.

## Character check-ins

### Edwin Reardon

Receives Amy's letter about her inheritance and writes a reply refusing to reunite, asserting that love is absent.

### Amy Reardon

Writes to Reardon offering to share her inheritance and return to him, but her letter is motivated by duty rather than love.

### Harold Biffen

Accompanies Reardon and introduces him to Mr. Sykes; discusses the workhouse and poverty philosophically.

### Mr. Sykes

A struggling writer who recounts his failed attempts at fiction and his current work on an autobiography for a provincial newspaper.

## Key lines

> The working classes detest anything that tries to represent their daily life. It isn't because that life is too painful; no, no; it's downright snobbishness.

Working-class readers reject realistic portrayals of their own lives, not because of the pain but out of snobbery.

_Mr. Sykes's observation on the reading preferences of the working classes._

> I cannot share your wealth, dear. But as you have no longer need of my help—as we are now quite independent of each other—I shall cease to send the money which hitherto I have considered yours.

Reardon refuses Amy's offer of financial support and decides to stop sending her money, asserting their independence.

_Reardon's reply to Amy's letter, rejecting her offer of reunion._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/new_grub_street_se/chapters/xxvii-the-lonely-man
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/new_grub_street_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/new_grub_street_se/chapters