The Dewy Morn · Chapter
The Works of Robert Godwin explained
This chapter provides a detailed character study of Robert Godwin, describing his lack of imagination, his absolute honesty except in horse-dealing, his isolation from others, and his relentless, mechanical work ethic.
What happens
This chapter provides a detailed character study of Robert Godwin, describing his lack of imagination, his absolute honesty except in horse-dealing, his isolation from others, and his relentless, mechanical work ethic. It follows his actions from riding his new horse Ruy, through a night of restless labor, until dawn, contrasting his obliviousness to nature and beauty with Felise's dreamy evening by the sundial.
Themes in this chapter
Nature and Spirituality
The chapter contrasts the serene, worshipful beauty of the summer night and dawn with Godwin's complete indifference to nature, highlighting his spiritual emptiness.
Freedom vs. Control
Godwin's obsessive need to work, inspect, and control every detail of his property and laborers stands in opposition to the freedom and stillness of the night.
Obsession and Jealousy
Godwin's relentless, compulsive activity and inability to rest suggest an obsessive personality, though jealousy is not directly evident in this chapter.
Characters to notice
- Robert Godwin
Portrayed as a man of action rather than feeling, lacking imagination, utterly isolated, and driven by habit and work. He spends the night doing chores and sorting attic lumber, unable to rest.
- Felise Goring
Mentioned as having spent the long summer evening sitting by the sundial dreaming, in contrast to Godwin's ceaseless activity.
- Miss Goring
Godwin's sister and housekeeper, who knows no more of him than a stranger and inherits the Godwin faculty of no imagination, growing immensely fat.
- Ruy
Godwin's new horse, which he rides from Mr. Goring's porch and later checks on in the stable.
- Mr. Goring
Mentioned as the owner of the porch from which Godwin rides away on Ruy.
Key passages
“He was no set villain of a piece, no unscrupulous tyrant for the sake of evil. There was no cruelty in his nature.”
Godwin was not a deliberate villain or a tyrant who enjoyed causing harm; cruelty was not part of his character.
Clarifies that Godwin's harmful actions stem from lack of imagination, not malice.
“His spirit never blended with the society about him.”
Godwin remained emotionally and socially isolated from everyone around him.
Emphasizes his profound detachment from others.
“The Night was calm—still; it was in no haste to do anything—it had nothing it needed to do. To be is enough for the stars. Robert did not notice any difference in the night; he had seen hundreds of nights.”
The night was peaceful and unhurried, content simply to exist, but Godwin was oblivious to its beauty, having seen many nights before.
Highlights the contrast between nature's serenity and Godwin's restless, unobservant nature.