News from Nowhere · Chapter
XXIV: Up the Thames: The Second Day explained
The narrator, Dick, and Clara continue their journey up the Thames.
What happens
The narrator, Dick, and Clara continue their journey up the Thames. They stop at the house of Dick's friend Walter Allen, who reveals a tragic love triangle that ended in a violent death. The group then visits Bisham and other historic sites, reflecting on the changes in society. The chapter ends with them arriving at Walter Allen's house near Maple-Durham meads.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Human Relationships
The tragic love triangle involving a charming girl, her successful lover, and a jealous rival leads to a violent death, highlighting the complexities of human emotions.
Crime and Justice
The story of the violent death raises questions about justice and forgiveness, as the slayer had no malice but is now at risk of suicide.
Education and Growth
The discussion about Eton College reflects changing ideas about education, from teaching poor men's sons to a place for learning and libraries.
Characters to notice
- Guest
The narrator observes the journey and interacts with the characters, reflecting on the changes in society.
- Dick
Dick is the guide and friend, showing the narrator around and explaining the history of places like Eton.
- Clara
Clara is affectionate towards Dick and shows shyness towards Ellen.
- Ellen
Ellen is thoughtful and abstracted, with a strange wild beauty that captivates the narrator.
- Walter Allen
Walter Allen is Dick's friend, who is melancholic due to a recent violent death in the community.
Key passages
“Up yonder are some beautiful old buildings, which were built for a great college or teaching-place by one of the medieval kings—Edward the Sixth, I think. He meant poor people's sons to be taught there what knowledge was going in his days; but it was a matter of course that in the times of which you seem to know so much they spoilt whatever good there was in the founder's intentions.”
Dick points out the old buildings of Eton College, explaining that it was originally founded by King Edward VI to educate poor boys, but later the aristocracy perverted its purpose.
Dick's historical account of Eton College reflects the critique of how institutions can deviate from their original intentions.
“We have had a death here. ... this was a death by violence, and it seems likely to lead to at least one more; and somehow it makes us feel rather shy of one another.”
Walter Allen explains that a violent death has occurred in the community, causing tension and sadness among the residents.
This quote introduces the central conflict of the chapter, highlighting the impact of violence on a close-knit society.