Orley Farm · Chapter
The Commercial Room, Bull Inn, Leeds explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Samuel Dockwrath travels to Leeds and settles into the commercial room at the Bull Inn, where he encounters two commercial travelers, Mr. Moulder and Mr. Kantwise. After initial tension over seating, they engage in conversation about Joseph Mason of Groby Park, with Kantwise sharing his impressions of Mason and his wife. Dockwrath reveals he has business with Mason, and Kantwise offers to accompany him, but Dockwrath declines, preferring to go alone.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Ambition
The tension between Dockwrath (an attorney) and the commercial travelers reflects class distinctions and professional hierarchies, as Dockwrath asserts his place in the commercial room despite not being a 'commercial gent.'
Truth and Deception
Kantwise's sales pitch for his iron furniture involves exaggerated claims and persuasive rhetoric, highlighting the theme of deception in commercial transactions.
Characters to notice
- Samuel Dockwrath
Travels to Leeds and takes a seat in the commercial room at the Bull Inn; asserts his right to be there despite the waiter's doubts; engages in conversation with Moulder and Kantwise about Joseph Mason.
- Mr. Moulder
A fat commercial traveler who enters the room with Kantwise; initially hostile to Dockwrath but later shares information about Joseph Mason and his father's business.
- Mr. Kantwise
A commercial traveler selling iron furniture; demonstrates his wares to Dockwrath and discusses Joseph Mason and his wife with Moulder.
- Joseph Mason of Groby
Mentioned as the subject of conversation; Kantwise describes him as 'close' and his wife as a remarkable woman; Dockwrath intends to visit him on business.
Key passages
“The lady’s nothing to me, sir; nor the gentleman either;—only that I have a little business with him.”
Dockwrath clarifies that he has no personal interest in Mrs. Mason or Mr. Mason, only a professional matter to discuss with the latter.
Dockwrath distances himself from any personal involvement with the Masons, emphasizing his purely business motive.
“I think, sir, I could show you an article that would please you very much. You see, sir, that new ideas are coming in every day, and wood, sir, is altogether going out—altogether going out as regards furniture.”
Kantwise promotes his iron furniture by claiming that wooden furniture is becoming obsolete and that his products represent the latest trend.
Kantwise uses persuasive sales tactics to convince Dockwrath of the superiority of his iron furniture.