The Dead Secret · Chapter
V: Mozart Plays Farewell explained
Uncle Joseph and Sarah leave Porthgenna Tower after a tense encounter with Mr.
What happens
Uncle Joseph and Sarah leave Porthgenna Tower after a tense encounter with Mr. Munder. Uncle Joseph expresses sorrow that their journey has been in vain, as Sarah failed to achieve what she most desired. They walk back to the inn, unaware that Jacob, the gardener's boy, is following them on Mr. Munder's orders. At the inn, Uncle Joseph plays a farewell song on his musical box, which stops abruptly, reminding him of his dying child. He urges Sarah not to go, but she insists she has no choice. They part at the coach office, and Sarah finds a basket of provisions and money from Uncle Joseph. She reflects on the difficulty of leaving her only friend.
Themes in this chapter
Family and Estrangement
The chapter highlights the deep bond between Uncle Joseph and Sarah, contrasted with the impending separation and Sarah's sense of being banished from the only shelter she has.
Secrecy and Truth
Sarah's fear of being followed, her hidden letter, and her refusal to reveal her destination underscore the theme of secrecy and the danger of truth being discovered.
Memory and the Past
The musical box playing Mozart's melody evokes memories of Uncle Joseph's dying child, and Sarah's thoughts of the past are tied to the hidden letter and her deceased mistress.
Characters to notice
- Sarah Leeson
Sarah is anxious and fearful after the encounter at Porthgenna Tower, insists on leaving quickly, and feels the sorrow of parting from her uncle.
- Uncle Joseph
Uncle Joseph is sorrowful that their journey was in vain, plays a farewell song on his musical box, and gives Sarah a basket of gifts and money before she departs.
- Mrs. Jazeph
Sarah is referred to as Mrs. Jazeph in the context of her disguise; she is the niece of Uncle Joseph and the central figure in the farewell scene.
- Mr. Munder
Mr. Munder is the housekeeper who had an angry collision with Uncle Joseph earlier; his instructions to Jacob to follow the pair are mentioned.
- Betsey
Betsey is the servant-maid from whom Uncle Joseph took leave with great cordiality.
- Jacob
Jacob is the gardener's boy who follows Sarah and Uncle Joseph on Mr. Munder's orders, hoping to earn a sixpence.
Key passages
“I am sorry, my child, I am sorry from my heart. This has been what you call in England a bad job.”
Uncle Joseph expresses deep regret that their journey has been unsuccessful.
He refers to the failed attempt to achieve Sarah's goal at Porthgenna Tower.
“The music stopped so, when little Joseph died! Don't go! Think better of it, and stop with me.”
The abrupt end of the musical box reminds Uncle Joseph of his child's death, and he pleads with Sarah not to leave.
The music's silence triggers a painful memory and a desperate plea for her to stay.
“I have no choice, uncle, but to leave you—indeed, indeed I have not!”
Sarah insists that she must depart, despite her uncle's wishes.
She feels compelled to leave for her own safety and to avoid discovery.