The Blithedale Romance · Chapter
XI: The Wood-Path explained
Coverdale takes a solitary walk into the woods to escape the routine of Blithedale and renew his individuality.
What happens
Coverdale takes a solitary walk into the woods to escape the routine of Blithedale and renew his individuality. He is interrupted by Professor Westervelt, who inquires about Zenobia and Priscilla, revealing his knowledge of the community and his dubious character. Coverdale reluctantly directs him to Zenobia's favorite haunt, and Westervelt mocks Hollingsworth's philanthropic schemes, exposing his gold teeth and humbug nature. Coverdale reflects on his role as a detached observer, likening himself to a chorus in a classic play.
Themes in this chapter
Secrecy and Identity
Westervelt's hidden knowledge of the Blithedale residents and his own deceptive appearance (gold teeth, possible mask) underscore themes of hidden identities and concealed motives.
Nature vs. Society
Coverdale's retreat into the woods represents a desire to escape social routine and reconnect with his inner self, contrasting the natural world with the artificiality of communal life.
Obsession and Philanthropy
Westervelt's mocking description of Hollingsworth's philanthropic scheme highlights the obsessive nature of reformist zeal and its potential for manipulation.
Characters to notice
- Miles Coverdale
Takes a solitary walk to renew his individuality; encounters and converses with Professor Westervelt; reflects on his role as a detached observer.
- Professor Westervelt
Interrupts Coverdale's walk; inquires about Zenobia and Priscilla; mocks Hollingsworth; reveals his gold teeth and humbug nature.
- Zenobia
Subject of Westervelt's inquiries; described as having an 'uncomfortable surplus of vitality' and being the 'better model of womanhood'; Coverdale directs Westervelt to her favorite walk.
- Priscilla
Subject of Westervelt's inquiries; described as a 'delicate, nervous young creature'; Coverdale declines to facilitate a meeting with her.
- Mr. Hollingsworth
Mocked by Westervelt as a 'holy and benevolent blacksmith' with a philanthropic scheme; Westervelt suggests he seeks funds from Zenobia.
Key passages
“Unless renewed by a yet further withdrawal towards the inner circle of self-communion, I lost the better part of my individuality.”
Coverdale feels that without periodic solitude, he loses his sense of self.
Reflects his need for isolation to maintain personal identity.
“I felt as if the whole man were a moral and physical humbug; his wonderful beauty of face, for aught I knew, might be removable like a mask.”
Coverdale suspects Westervelt is entirely fraudulent, with his handsome appearance possibly being a disguise.
Highlights the theme of deception and hidden identity.
“My own part in these transactions was singularly subordinate. It resembled that of the Chorus in a classic play.”
Coverdale sees himself as a passive observer, like a Greek chorus, watching events unfold without direct involvement.
Emphasizes his role as a detached narrator and commentator.