# A Visitor from Town explained — The Blithedale Romance

> Chapter companion for The Blithedale Romance by Nathaniel Hawthorne.

## What happens

Coverdale and Hollingsworth encounter Old Moodie, a mysterious visitor from town who inquires about Priscilla and Zenobia. Moodie's hesitant behavior and cryptic questions hint at hidden connections between the characters, particularly his concern for Priscilla's treatment by Zenobia. Hollingsworth eventually leads Moodie to see Priscilla, while Coverdale observes and reflects on the old man's peculiar demeanor.

## Themes in this chapter

### Secrecy and Identity

Old Moodie's hidden past and his furtive manner suggest concealed identities and secret connections, particularly regarding his relationship to Zenobia and Priscilla.

### Class and Wealth

The contrast between Zenobia's brilliance and Moodie's shabby appearance highlights class divisions, and Moodie's concern about Priscilla's treatment reflects dependency on wealth.

## Character check-ins

### Miles Coverdale

Narrator who observes Old Moodie's visit and reflects on his character.

### Mr. Hollingsworth

Engages with Old Moodie, answers his questions, and leads him to see Priscilla.

### Old Moodie

Mysterious visitor from town, inquires about Priscilla and Zenobia, displays furtive and hesitant behavior.

### Priscilla

Appears at a window with Zenobia; Moodie's concern for her happiness is central to the scene.

### Zenobia

Seen with Priscilla at a window; Moodie asks about her kindness to Priscilla.

## Key lines

> Methought it would be profitable for us, projectors of a happy life, to welcome this old gray shadow, and cherish him as one of us, and let him creep about our domain, in order that he might be a little merrier for our sakes, and we, sometimes, a little sadder for his.

Coverdale thinks it would be beneficial for the Blithedale community to embrace Old Moodie's melancholy presence, as it would bring balance to their happiness.

_Reflects Coverdale's philosophical view on the necessity of sorrow in human experience._

> If she were to see this old face of mine, the child would remember some very sad times which we have spent together.

Old Moodie fears that his appearance would remind Priscilla of their painful past and disrupt her current happiness.

_Reveals Moodie's protective yet self-effacing attitude toward Priscilla._

> What a rich tinge it gives to his colorless ideas, when he speaks of Zenobia!

Coverdale notes how Moodie's speech becomes vivid and colorful when he mentions Zenobia.

_Highlights the contrast between Moodie's dull demeanor and his intense interest in Zenobia._

## Links

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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_blithedale_romance_se/chapters