# III: The Mysterious Greatcoat explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by Thomas Hardy.

## What happens

Stockdale notices Lizzy Newberry's irregular sleeping patterns, often staying in her room until late afternoon. One night, when a girl knocks for mustard, Stockdale cannot wake Lizzy, and her mother dismisses his concern. Later, Stockdale sees Lizzy brushing a mud-splattered greatcoat that belonged to her late husband, raising suspicions about her nighttime activities.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Secrecy

Lizzy's unexplained absences and the muddy greatcoat suggest hidden activities, deepening the mystery and Stockdale's suspicion.

### Isolation and Longing

Stockdale's growing attachment to Lizzy is complicated by her secretive behavior, leaving him isolated in his doubts.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Stockdale

Becomes increasingly suspicious of Lizzy's behavior after failing to wake her and discovering the muddy greatcoat.

### Lizzy Newberry

Exhibits erratic sleep patterns and is caught brushing a mud-splattered greatcoat, leading to Stockdale's distrust.

### Mistress Betty

Lizzy's mother, who dismisses Stockdale's concerns about Lizzy's absence from her room.

## Key lines

> It is pure sleepiness, Mr. Stockdale.

Lizzy claims her late rising is simply due to oversleeping.

_Lizzy dismisses Stockdale's concern about her irregular hours._

> I cannot wake Mrs. Newberry.

Stockdale fails to rouse Lizzy despite persistent knocking.

_Stockdale's inability to wake Lizzy raises his suspicions._

> Do dead men come out of their graves and walk in mud?

Stockdale wonders if the muddy greatcoat implies Lizzy's deceased husband is somehow active.

_Stockdale's dark thought about the muddy coat reveals his growing distrust._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/iii-the-mysterious-greatcoat
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_53_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters