The Blithedale Romance · Chapter
A Knot of Dreamers explained
Coverdale and the other new arrivals are welcomed to Blithedale by Zenobia, who speaks warmly to each.
What happens
Coverdale and the other new arrivals are welcomed to Blithedale by Zenobia, who speaks warmly to each. Coverdale is struck by Zenobia's beauty, vitality, and the exotic flower in her hair. The group discusses the division of labor, with Zenobia humorously assigning domestic work to the women. Talk turns to the absent Hollingsworth, whom Zenobia admires for his passionate philanthropy. Silas Foster arrives, bringing a dose of grim reality to the idealistic gathering.
Themes in this chapter
Idealism vs. Reality
The idyllic vision of Blithedale is undercut by the snowstorm, Silas Foster's practicality, and Coverdale's sense that the enterprise feels like a 'masquerade' or 'counterfeit Arcadia.'
Gender Roles and Women's Rights
Zenobia's playful but pointed remarks about women's domestic duties and Coverdale's reflection on Eve's paradisiacal life highlight contemporary debates about women's roles.
The Role of the Artist
Coverdale is praised as a poet by Zenobia, and he expresses a desire to create poetry that reflects the natural, simple life they aim to lead.
Characters to notice
- Zenobia
Welcomes the newcomers with warmth and wit; her beauty, vitality, and the exotic flower in her hair are described in detail; she speaks of Hollingsworth with admiration.
- Miles Coverdale
The narrator and poet, he is flattered by Zenobia's praise and observes her closely; he reflects on the group's estrangement from society and the illusory nature of their enterprise.
- Mr. Hollingsworth
Mentioned as a laggard who has not yet arrived; Zenobia praises his voice and philanthropic passion, though she admits she usually dislikes philanthropists.
- Silas Foster
Enters after doing farm chores, speaks bluntly about the harsh weather, and sits by the fire in his stocking-feet, embodying the practical, unromantic side of rural life.
Key passages
“I have long wished to know you, Mr. Coverdale, and to thank you for your beautiful poetry, some of which I have learned by heart; or rather it has stolen into my memory, without my exercising any choice or volition about the matter.”
Zenobia tells Coverdale she has admired his poetry for a long time and knows some of it by heart, as if it naturally lodged in her memory.
Zenobia flatters Coverdale's poetic talent upon their first meeting.
“It struck me as a great piece of good fortune that there should be just that glimpse.”
Coverdale feels lucky to catch a brief view of Zenobia's bare shoulder between her kerchief and gown.
Coverdale's admiring and somewhat voyeuristic observation of Zenobia's appearance.
“It really vexes me that Mr. Hollingsworth should be such a laggard. I should not have thought him at all the sort of person to be turned back by a puff of contrary wind, or a few snowflakes drifting into his face.”
Zenobia expresses annoyance that Hollingsworth is late, as she expected him to be undeterred by bad weather.
Zenobia shows her interest in Hollingsworth's character and resilience.