# Chapter IV explained — Some Do Not …

> Chapter companion for Some Do Not … by Ford Madox Ford.

## What happens

Valentine Wannop reflects on her relationships and the passage of time during the war. She recalls Tietjens' mathematical prowess and his indifferent attitude toward his wife Sylvia. She also remembers the revelation of Mrs. Duchemin's affair with Macmaster, which shattered her idealized view of them. The chapter covers the hardships of the Wannop family, including her brother Edward's imprisonment and her mother's mental breakdown, as well as the move to London and Valentine's continued chaperoning of Mrs. Duchemin.

## Themes in this chapter

### Self-Deception and Perception

Valentine's idealized view of Mrs. Duchemin and Macmaster is shattered by the revelation of their affair, highlighting the gap between appearance and reality.

### War and Its Disruption

The war disrupts the Wannop family's life, causing mental illness, social ostracism, and economic hardship.

### Gender Roles and Sexuality

Valentine's reflections on sexual relationships and the double standards faced by women, as seen in Mrs. Duchemin's secret affair and Valentine's own chaperoning role.

## Character check-ins

### Valentine Wannop

Narrates her memories and current situation; reflects on Tietjens, Mrs. Duchemin, and her family's struggles.

### Christopher Tietjens

Discusses his mathematical work and his wife Sylvia; later appears aged and dull after returning from war.

### Sylvia Tietjens

Mentioned as having many occupations and being unsympathetic to Tietjens' work.

### Edith Ethel Duchemin

Revealed to have been Macmaster's mistress; displays harsh language and rage; later marries Macmaster.

### Vincent Macmaster

Tietjens' friend; involved with Mrs. Duchemin; marries her in a registry office.

### Mrs. Wannop

Valentine's mother; suffers mental breakdown after son's imprisonment; later improves and writes.

## Key lines

> She said: “ Mrs. Tietjens will be pleased.” “Oh!” the answer came. “Mathematics don’t interest her any more than cockfighting.”

Valentine suggests Sylvia would appreciate Tietjens' work, but Tietjens dismisses the idea, implying Sylvia has no interest in mathematics.

_Reveals Tietjens' view of his wife's indifference to his intellectual pursuits._

> And, looking at Mrs. Duchemin, rushing backwards and forwards in the light of candles, blue-white of face and her hair flying, Valentine Wannop said: “No! no! The tiger lying in the reeds will always raise its head!”

Valentine realizes that sexual passion inevitably emerges, even in seemingly refined relationships, as she witnesses Mrs. Duchemin's rage.

_Highlights the theme of sexuality and disillusionment._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/some_do_not_se/chapters/part-ii-iv
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/some_do_not_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/some_do_not_se/chapters