Phoebe, Junior · Chapter
Mr. May's Affairs explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. May retreats to his study after feigning a rage in front of his family, revealing his ability to use his temper strategically. He then reviews his mounting debts, which he has managed by misappropriating funds meant for his son Reginald. His creditor Cotsdean arrives in distress, having been refused further credit at the bank, but Mr. May reassures him with empty promises and manipulates him into continued compliance.
Themes in this chapter
Appearance vs. Reality
Mr. May feigns a furious temper to deceive his family, while privately laughing at his own manipulation, revealing a stark contrast between his public persona and private thoughts.
Religious Hypocrisy
Mr. May, a clergyman, uses his position to manipulate Cotsdean, invoking Providence while engaging in dishonest financial practices.
Family Duty and Sacrifice
Mr. May prioritizes maintaining the family's appearance and comfort over his son Reginald's education, appropriating funds meant for him.
Characters to notice
- Reginald May
Mr. May has misappropriated remittances intended for Reginald's Oxford expenses, contributing to his resentment toward his son.
- Cotsdean
Mr. May's creditor, who is deeply distressed by the financial strain and the risk to his own family, yet is manipulated into continuing to assist Mr. May.
Key passages
“He could work himself up into fury, and launch the doom he felt disposed to launch, like a burning and fizzing thunderbolt from a hand which was, in reality, not at all excited”
Mr. May could pretend to be furious, delivering harsh judgments as if he were out of control, when in fact he was calm and calculating.
Reveals Mr. May's manipulative use of his temper as a tool.
“Debt is an idiosyncrasy like other things. Some people keep clear of it miraculously, some seem to drop into it without cause or meaning, and to spend all their lives afterwards in vain attempts to get out.”
Being in debt is a peculiar habit: some avoid it entirely, while others fall into it inexplicably and struggle forever to escape.
Introduces Mr. May's chronic financial troubles as a defining trait.
“I have always been helped, you know, sometimes when it seemed the last moment. Leave it to me. I have no more doubt... that when the time comes all will be well, than I have of the sun rising tomorrow”
Mr. May reassures Cotsdean that help always arrives at the last minute, expressing blind faith that something will turn up.
Highlights Mr. May's reliance on luck and manipulation rather than responsible action.