Night and Day · Chapter
XV explained
Ralph Denham travels to the Datchet family home for Christmas, where he is met by Mary Datchet and her brother Edward.
What happens
Ralph Denham travels to the Datchet family home for Christmas, where he is met by Mary Datchet and her brother Edward. He walks across the fields with Mary, and they arrive at the house, where Ralph's thoughts are preoccupied with Katharine Hilbery. The chapter also introduces the Datchet family, including Mr. Datchet and Elizabeth, and explores Mary's feelings for Ralph.
Themes in this chapter
Work vs. Dreams
Ralph's internal conflict between his work and his romantic dreams for Katharine is highlighted, as he uses the excuse of needing quiet for work to stay in the village.
The Public vs. Private Self
Mary's public cheerfulness contrasts with her private turmoil over her feelings for Ralph, and Ralph's outward actions mask his inner preoccupation with Katharine.
Characters to notice
- Ralph Denham
Travels to the Datchet family home, walks with Mary across the fields, and is preoccupied with thoughts of Katharine.
- Mary Datchet
Meets Ralph at the station, walks with him across the fields, and is deeply affected by his presence.
- Mr. Datchet
Mary's father, a methodical man who paces in the garden and is absorbed in his own thoughts.
- Elizabeth
Mr. Datchet's elder daughter, who manages the household and is practical and methodical.
- Edward
Mary's brother, who drives the pony-cart and is present at the station.
Key passages
“in the heart of him could not help marveling at the pleasure which he derived from making a bagman in a train believe what he himself did not believe.”
Ralph secretly enjoyed deceiving a fellow traveler in the train, making him believe something that Ralph himself knew was false.
Reveals Ralph's manipulative side and his ability to maintain a facade.
“The process of visualizing Katharine stopped short at the old gray manor-house; instinct warned him that if he went much further with this process reality would soon force itself in; he could not altogether neglect the figure of William Rodney.”
Ralph's imagination of Katharine halted at the image of the manor house, as he was instinctively aware that continuing would bring him face to face with the reality of her engagement to William Rodney.
Shows Ralph's avoidance of painful reality regarding Katharine's engagement.
“But a far stronger passion had taken possession of her soul than any her brother could inspire in her, and, seeing Ralph's change of expression, her hand almost automatically continued its movements, while her mind plunged desperately for some hold upon slippery banks.”
Mary's feelings for Ralph were far more intense than any affection for her brother, and when she noticed Ralph's mood shift, she mechanically kept stroking her brother's hair while her mind struggled to find stability.
Illustrates Mary's deep emotional turmoil and her attempt to maintain composure.