# XXVI: The Obstinate Refusers explained — News from Nowhere

> Chapter companion for News from Nowhere by William Morris.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/news_from_nowhere_se/chapters/xxvi-the-obstinate-refusers
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/news_from_nowhere_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/news_from_nowhere_se/chapters