Riceyman Steps · Chapter
Elsie's Motive explained
Elsie, driven by concern for her employers' health and the anniversary of Joe's disappearance, visits Dr.
What happens
Elsie, driven by concern for her employers' health and the anniversary of Joe's disappearance, visits Dr. Raste without permission to seek medical help for Henry and Violet Earlforward. Dr. Raste initially refuses, insisting on a formal summons, but shows a hint of sympathy. Elsie's hope that Joe might reappear on the anniversary is dashed, leaving her in despair.
Themes in this chapter
Service and Sacrifice
Elsie's unauthorized visit to Dr. Raste demonstrates her selfless dedication to her employers' welfare, risking her position for their benefit.
The Past and Memory
The anniversary of Joe's disappearance dominates Elsie's thoughts, illustrating how the past haunts her present actions and emotions.
Illness and Mortality
Henry's severe illness and Violet's poor health are central to the plot, highlighting the fragility of life and the reluctance to seek medical help.
Characters to notice
- Elsie
Elsie visits Dr. Raste on her own initiative, motivated by concern for the Earlforwards' health and the anniversary of Joe's disappearance.
- Henry Earlforward
Henry is ill, unable to eat, and refuses to see a doctor; his condition is a key reason for Elsie's errand.
- Violet Earlforward
Violet is also unwell and unaware of Elsie's plan to fetch Dr. Raste; she shows restrained curiosity about Elsie's departure.
- Dr. Raste
Dr. Raste is approached by Elsie but initially refuses to visit without a proper summons, though he shows a touch of sympathy.
- Joe
Joe's disappearance a year ago is the anniversary that drives Elsie's hope and despair; he is mentioned but does not appear.
Key passages
“The fact of the anniversary filled all the horizon of Elsie's thoughts, and at intervals it surged inwards upon her from every quarter of the compass and overwhelmed her—and then it would recede again.”
The anniversary completely occupied Elsie's mind, sometimes flooding her with emotion and then fading away.
This illustrates how the memory of Joe's disappearance dominates Elsie's consciousness.
“She was a fool. She was a fool to try to get the doctor to call without a proper summons, and she was thrice a fool to have hoped or fancied that Joe would turn up again, on either the anniversary of his vanishing or any other day.”
Elsie berates herself for both her unauthorized attempt to get the doctor and her foolish hope that Joe would return on the anniversary.
This shows Elsie's self-criticism and the depth of her despair after her hopes are dashed.