News from Nowhere · Chapter
XXVI: The Obstinate Refusers explained
The narrator, Dick, Clara, and Walter encounter a group of builders and carvers who have chosen to continue their work on a stone house rather than join the haymaking festival.
What happens
The narrator, Dick, Clara, and Walter encounter a group of builders and carvers who have chosen to continue their work on a stone house rather than join the haymaking festival. The carver Philippa, recovering from illness, is deeply absorbed in her craft, and the group good-humoredly calls themselves the 'Obstinate Refusers.' After a brief exchange and a toast, the party leaves them to their work.
Themes in this chapter
Pleasure in Work
Philippa and the other builders find deep satisfaction in their craft, choosing it over the festive haymaking, illustrating the intrinsic joy of skilled labor.
Art and Beauty in Everyday Life
The house is being built with carved stone wreaths and figures, emphasizing the integration of art into daily work and architecture.
Characters to notice
- Dick
Leads the group, engages in banter with the builders, and explains the concept of 'easy-hard work.'
- Clara
Accompanies the group and suggests visiting the builders.
- Guest
Observes and questions the builders' refusal to join the haymaking, drawing a comparison to Dickens's time.
- Mistress Philippa
The head carver, deeply focused on her work, recovering from illness, and reluctant to stop for the visitors.
- Kate
A blue-clad girl who serves as a model for Philippa and introduces the visitors to the carver.
- Walter Allen
Accompanies the group and expresses gladness for the excuse to stay longer with Clara.
Key passages
“this open-air and the sun and the work together, and my feeling well again too, make a mere delight of every hour to me”
The combination of fresh air, sunshine, and work, along with her recovery from illness, makes every moment a pure pleasure.
Philippa expresses the joy of returning to her craft after being ill.
“I mean work that tries the muscles and hardens them and sends you pleasantly weary to bed, but which isn't trying in other ways; doesn't harass you in short.”
Work that physically challenges you and leaves you pleasantly tired, but doesn't cause mental strain or worry.
Dick explains the concept of 'easy-hard work' to the Guest.