The American Senator · Chapter
Goarly's Revenge explained
The discovery of a poisoned fox in Dillsborough Wood ignites outrage among the hunting party, who immediately suspect Goarly.
What happens
The discovery of a poisoned fox in Dillsborough Wood ignites outrage among the hunting party, who immediately suspect Goarly. Senator Gotobed observes the scene with critical detachment, questioning the values that prioritize foxes over fowls and expressing respect for Goarly's defiance. The hunt moves to Impington Gorse, but the mood remains tense and gloomy.
Themes in this chapter
Justice and Class Bias
The crowd's immediate condemnation of Goarly without evidence, and the Senator's respect for the man standing alone against the majority, underscores the class bias in the local justice system.
American vs. British Values
Senator Gotobed's critique of fox hunting and his admiration for Goarly's defiance exemplify the clash between American individualism and British aristocratic customs.
Rural Life and Community
The communal grief over the poisoned fox and the collective determination to find the culprit illustrate the tight-knit, tradition-bound nature of rural society.
Characters to notice
- Lord Rufford
Observes the dead fox in silence, intervenes to prevent Larry Twentyman from attacking Goarly, and defends his estate and the county's reputation.
- Senator Gotobed
Questions the hunting customs and sympathizes with Goarly as a man standing up for his rights against the crowd.
- John Morton
Accompanies the Senator, tries to explain hunting traditions, and struggles to keep his temper under the Senator's relentless raillery.
- Lawrence Twentyman
Expresses disgust at the poisoning, rushes to confront Goarly, and is restrained by Lord Rufford.
- Goarly
Appears with a gun on his own land, denies poisoning the fox, threatens to shoot any hound that enters his field, and is the focus of the crowd's anger.
- Captain Glomax
Curses and swears to control the hunt, and casts a slur upon the land as an itinerant.
Key passages
“It’s pi’son, my lord; it’s pi’son to a moral”
It is poison, my lord; it is unquestionably poison.
Bean the gamekeeper declares the fox was poisoned, setting off the hunt's outrage.
“I respect that man the more. He’s one against two hundred, and he insists upon his rights.”
I have greater respect for that man. He stands alone against many and demands what is rightfully his.
Senator Gotobed expresses admiration for Goarly's defiance of the hunting crowd.
“Everybody is so gloomy... I’ve been watching that young man in pink boots for the last half hour, and he hasn’t spoken a word to anyone.”
Everyone is so somber... I have been observing that young man in pink boots for thirty minutes, and he has not said a word to anyone.
The Senator comments on the subdued mood of the hunting party after the poisoning incident.