The Dewy Morn · Chapter
XIII explained
Martial Barnard, now twenty-five, struggles with the consequences of his broken engagement to Rosa Wood.
What happens
Martial Barnard, now twenty-five, struggles with the consequences of his broken engagement to Rosa Wood. He oscillates between guilt and a desire for freedom, haunted by the memory of Felise Goring's beauty after seeing her at a harrier event. His neglect of Rosa leads her to release him from their engagement, deepening his self-loathing. He resolves to avoid romantic folly, yet cannot stop comparing Rosa unfavorably to Felise.
Themes in this chapter
Beauty and Aesthetic Worship
Barnard's artistic admiration of Felise's face and form dominates his thoughts, leading him to compare and devalue Rosa.
Obsession and Jealousy
Barnard's fixation on Felise's image, despite his denial of love, drives his emotional turmoil and cruelty toward Rosa.
Freedom vs. Control
Barnard yearns for independence from romantic entanglements, yet feels trapped by his own guilt and the memory of Felise.
Characters to notice
- Martial Barnard
Wracked with guilt and self-contempt over his treatment of Rosa; he breaks off the engagement and becomes obsessed with Felise's image, though he denies loving her.
- Rosa Wood
The jilted fiancée; she quietly releases Barnard from his promise after months of neglect, remaining devoted to him despite his coldness.
- Felise Goring
First seen by Barnard at the harriers; her beauty becomes an irremovable mental image that poisons his relationship with Rosa.
- Mr. Goring
Mentioned in connection with a watercourse dispute that brings Barnard to the Goring house for a second meeting with Felise.
Key passages
“If anyone is disposed to greatly blame Barnard, two things must be borne in mind: firstly, that there had been no viciousness in his conduct; secondly, his youth. Even now he was but five-and-twenty.”
The narrator excuses Barnard's behavior by noting his lack of malice and his young age of twenty-five.
The author offers a mitigating perspective on Barnard's actions.
“He did not love Felise, and he did not want to love her. Had he not read about love he should never have loved at all, nor understood what it meant.”
Barnard believes his romantic feelings are artificial, learned from books rather than genuine emotion.
Barnard rationalizes his obsession as a literary construct.
“The cruelty to Rosa was very great. No fault, no frivolity, an earnest quiet girl, and suddenly cast down from the position of sedate happiness she reasonably expected.”
Rosa, an innocent and serious woman, is unfairly devastated by the broken engagement.
The narrative emphasizes Rosa's undeserved suffering.