# XV explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by Thomas Hardy.

## What happens

Margery, feeling humiliated by Jim's apparent romance with Mrs. Peach, resolves to attend the Yeomanry Review to confront them. She plans to accompany Mr. Vine, Jim's partner. Meanwhile, Jim and Mrs. Peach walk together, and Jim's military uniform and flirtation are observed by Margery, who grows increasingly jealous and determined to assert her status.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Secrecy

Jim's scheme to feign a romance with Mrs. Peach to manipulate Margery's emotions is a clear act of deception.

### Isolation and Longing

Margery feels forsaken and isolated, longing for a way to reassert her dignity and win back Jim's attention.

## Character check-ins

### Margaret Tucker

Margery is the central figure, grappling with jealousy and devising a plan to attend the Review to confront Jim and Mrs. Peach.

### Jim Hayward

Jim, now a Yeomanry soldier, is deliberately flirting with Mrs. Peach to provoke Margery's jealousy.

### Mrs. Peach

The widow who is actively pursuing Jim and eagerly shares her romantic plans with Margery.

### Mr. Stockdale

Mr. Vine, Jim's partner, is involved in the scheme to drive Margery to the Review.

## Key lines

> select company, and not mix with the common people at all!

Margery wishes to be among the elite and avoid mingling with ordinary folk.

_Reflects Margery's desire for social distinction and her disdain for Mrs. Peach's lower status._

> The only plan she could think of⁠—perhaps not a wise one in the circumstances⁠—was to go to the Review herself; and be the gayest there.

Margery decides to attend the Review and outshine everyone, despite the potential folly of the plan.

_Highlights Margery's impulsive and prideful response to jealousy._

> The scene wore the aspect of some unholy assignation in Pandaemonium

The scene looked like a diabolical meeting in hell.

_Describes the eerie, dramatic appearance of Jim and Mrs. Peach by the limekiln._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/xv
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_53_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters