# XXXII: Reardon Becomes Practical explained — New Grub Street

> Chapter companion for New Grub Street by George Gissing.

## What happens

Reardon travels to Brighton after receiving word from Amy that their son Willie is gravely ill. He arrives in a feverish state, and the couple reunites with emotional intensity. Willie dies, and Reardon himself falls seriously ill with what appears to be congestion of the lungs. The chapter ends with Amy torn between grief for her child and concern for her husband.

## Themes in this chapter

### Poverty and Class

Reardon's shabby clothing and third-class journey contrast with the fashionable reputation of Brighton, highlighting his precarious financial and social position.

### Marriage and Money

The chapter explores the strain poverty placed on the Reardons' marriage, culminating in a poignant reunion amid illness and loss.

### Ambition and Failure

Reardon's physical and emotional collapse mirrors his professional failures, as his literary ambitions have yielded little security.

## Character check-ins

### Edwin Reardon

Travels to Brighton in a feverish state, reunites with Amy, learns of Willie's death, and falls gravely ill himself.

### Amy Reardon

Summons Reardon to Brighton due to Willie's illness; grieves the child's death and nurses Reardon.

### Willie

The Reardons' son, who dies of illness during the chapter.

### Harold Biffen

Accompanies Reardon to the station and urges him to reconcile with Amy.

### Edith Carter

Invited Amy to Brighton; her mother's house is where the events take place.

## Key lines

> He seemed condemned by some spiritual tormentor to take an interest in their endless games, and to observe their visages until he knew every line with a hateful intimacy.

Reardon felt tortured by an inability to look away from the card players, studying their faces with a loathing he could not control.

_Illustrates Reardon's agitated mental state during the train journey._

> If Willie dies, what shall I do? Oh, what shall I do?

Amy cries out in despair at the prospect of losing her son.

_Captures Amy's emotional breakdown upon Reardon's arrival._

> I am come to nurse you, dear husband. I have only you now.

Amy tells Reardon she will care for him, implying that Willie has died.

_Marks the turning point where Amy recommits to Reardon after the child's death._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/new_grub_street_se/chapters/xxxii-reardon-becomes-practical
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/new_grub_street_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/new_grub_street_se/chapters