Some Do Not … · Chapter
Chapter III explained
Ruggles investigates Christopher Tietjens' reputation, spreading damaging rumors to Mark and Mr.
What happens
Ruggles investigates Christopher Tietjens' reputation, spreading damaging rumors to Mark and Mr. Tietjens senior about Christopher's marriage, alleged affair with Valentine Wannop, and suspected disloyalty. Mr. Tietjens, heartbroken by the accusations, dies in a hunting accident. Five months later, Mark confronts Christopher about his finances and future.
Themes in this chapter
Honor and Reputation
Ruggles' rumors destroy Christopher's reputation, affecting his career and family standing; the 'great book' symbolizes societal judgment.
Self-Deception and Perception
Mr. Tietjens believes the false accusations due to his own biases and jealousy, leading to tragic consequences.
Loyalty and Betrayal
Ruggles betrays Christopher by spreading lies; Sylvia's apparent devotion contrasts with her inaction.
Characters to notice
- Christopher Tietjens
Subject of Ruggles' damaging rumors; his reputation is ruined by false claims about his marriage, affair with Valentine Wannop, and suspected disloyalty.
- Sylvia Tietjens
Glorvina informs her about Christopher's poor military reports; she appears devoted but has not yet told Christopher.
- Mark Tietjens
Receives Ruggles' news without surprise; later investigates Christopher's affairs after their father's death.
- Mr. Ruggles
Collects and spreads damaging information about Christopher to Mark and Mr. Tietjens senior.
- Valentine Wannop
Falsely accused of having a child by Christopher; Mr. Tietjens believes the rumor.
- Glorvina
Great lady who investigates Christopher's military record and informs Sylvia; she is concerned but also sees political opportunity.
Key passages
“He had talked in what he considered to be the right quarters, but he hadn’t any evidence that what he had said had got through.”
Ruggles spoke to influential people about Christopher but wasn't sure his words had any effect.
Ruggles' uncertainty about the impact of his gossip.
“It was of a most discouraging sort and peppered over with hieroglyphics, the main point being Tietjens’ impecuniosity and his predilection for the French; and apparently for the French Royalists.”
Christopher's military report was very negative, highlighting his lack of money and his sympathy for the French, especially royalists.
Glorvina sees the damaging official report on Christopher.
“What broke his heart was that Christopher should not only have seduced but should have had a child by Valentine Wannop.”
Mr. Tietjens was devastated by the belief that Christopher had seduced Valentine Wannop and fathered her child.
Mr. Tietjens' emotional reaction to the false rumor.
“He was found dead next morning, a couple of rabbits beside his body, just over the hedge from the little churchyard.”
Mr. Tietjens was discovered dead with two rabbits nearby, having apparently crawled through a hedge with his gun.
The accidental death of Mr. Tietjens.