Short Fiction · Chapter
II explained
Agatha and Oswald share a tender farewell at the mill, discussing Oswald's upcoming journey to India and his hopes for success through competitive examination.
What happens
Agatha and Oswald share a tender farewell at the mill, discussing Oswald's upcoming journey to India and his hopes for success through competitive examination. Agatha struggles with her emotions, wishing he would fail so he would stay, but ultimately supports his ambitions. They exchange promises of reunion and marriage.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
The chapter centers on the lovers' farewell and their promise of marriage upon Oswald's return.
Sacrifice and Duty
Oswald's decision to go to India for a better future reflects the theme of sacrifice for duty and ambition.
Fate and Coincidence
The uncertainty of Oswald's return and the examination outcome highlight the role of fate in their relationship.
Characters to notice
- Agatha Pollin
Agatha is saying goodbye to Oswald at the mill, conflicted between her love and her desire for his success.
- Oswald Winwood
Oswald is preparing to leave for India, hopeful about his prospects through competitive examination, and promises to return and marry Agatha.
Key passages
““It is nothing so fearful to contemplate,” he said. “Many live there for years in a state of rude health, and return home in the same happy condition. So shall I.””
Oswald reassures Agatha that living in India is not as dangerous as she fears, and that he will return safely.
Oswald tries to calm Agatha's anxieties about his journey.
““Thanks to Macaulay, of honoured memory, I have as good a chance as the best of them!” he said, with ardour. “What a great thing competitive examination is; it will put good men in good places, and make inferior men move lower down; all bureaucratic jobbery will be swept away.””
Oswald praises Macaulay's reforms and competitive examinations for creating fair opportunities and eliminating corruption.
Oswald expresses his faith in the meritocratic system.
““I hope you’ll fail!—there, I’ve said it; I couldn’t help it, Oswald!” she exclaimed, bursting out crying. “You would come home again then!””
Agatha blurts out that she hopes Oswald fails his exam so he will return home, then immediately regrets it.
Agatha's emotional conflict between love and ambition is revealed.