# Old Mrs. Chundle explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by Thomas Hardy.

## What happens

A curate new to the parish meets an elderly deaf woman, Mrs. Chundle, who initially deceives him about attending church. He tries to help her hear the service with an ear trumpet and later a sound tube, but both fail. Despite his efforts, she refuses to return to church. Later, she leaves him her furniture in her will, moving him deeply.

## Themes in this chapter

### Isolation and Longing

Mrs. Chundle's deafness and seclusion, her limited world, and her desire for connection despite her initial deception.

### Sacrifice and Duty

The curate's persistent efforts to include Mrs. Chundle in church life, and her eventual bequest of her belongings.

## Character check-ins

### Old Mrs. Chundle

A deaf elderly woman living alone near Corvsgate; initially deceptive about church attendance but later shows generosity.

### Mr. Stockdale

The new curate who tries to help Mrs. Chundle hear the service and is moved by her bequest.

## Key lines

> Can you give me something to eat, my good woman?

The curate asks Mrs. Chundle for food.

_Initial encounter leading to their relationship._

> I shall never come no more—never—to be made such a fool of as that again.

Mrs. Chundle refuses to return to church after the ear trumpet fails.

_Her frustration with the failed hearing aid._

> He’s a man in a thousand. He’s not ashamed of a’ old woman, and he holds that her soul is worth saving as well as richer people’s.

Mrs. Chundle praises the curate for his kindness and equality.

_Her appreciation expressed through her will._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/old-mrs-chundle
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_53_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters