Orley Farm · Chapter
Christmas in Great St. Helens explained
The chapter depicts a Christmas dinner at Mr.
What happens
The chapter depicts a Christmas dinner at Mr. Moulder's home in Great St. Helens, where he hosts his old friend Snengkeld, his brother-in-law John Kenneby, and Mr. Kantwise. The conversation turns to letters Kenneby has received, one from Mr. Dockwrath and another from a firm of attorneys in Bedford Row, concerning the Orley Farm case. Kenneby decides to visit both Hamworth and Bedford Row, despite Moulder's reservations. The evening includes theological banter and Moulder's reflections on death and honesty.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Ambition
Moulder's pride in his material comforts and his disdain for Kantwise's pretensions highlight class distinctions and domestic aspirations.
Truth and Deception
The letters from Dockwrath and the attorneys introduce themes of hidden truths and legal maneuvering surrounding the Orley Farm case.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Moulder
Hosts the Christmas dinner, boasts about his turkey and brandy, and engages in theological discussion.
- Mrs. Moulder
Moulder's wife, who prepares the meal and is described as living a comfortable but idle life.
- Mr. Kantwise
Guest at the dinner, a careful man who listens to the discussion about Dockwrath and the Orley Farm case.
- Mr. Kenneby
Brother-in-law to Moulder, receives letters from Dockwrath and attorneys, decides to travel to Hamworth and Bedford Row.
- Mr. Snengkeld
Old friend of Moulder, dines with him every Christmas, comments on the turkey and the letters.
- Samuel Dockwrath
Mentioned as the writer of a letter to Kenneby, an attorney from Hamworth involved in the Orley Farm matter.
Key passages
“He had got some brandy—he didn't care what anybody might say about Cognac and eau-de-vie; but the brandy which he had got from Betts' private establishment seventeen years ago, for richness of flavour and fullness of strength, would beat any French article that anybody in the city could show.”
Moulder boasted that his seventeen-year-old brandy from Betts' was superior to any French cognac available in London.
Illustrates Moulder's pride in his domestic provisions and his disdain for foreign imports.
“I've been honest to Hubbles and Grease. They've made thousands of pounds along of me, and have never lost none. Who can say more than that?”
Moulder claims his honesty has made Hubbles and Grease thousands of pounds without any losses, asserting his integrity.
Reflects Moulder's view of moral worth through commercial loyalty and success.