# The Works of Robert Godwin explained — The Dewy Morn

> Chapter companion for The Dewy Morn by Richard Jefferies.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/chapters/volume-i-xx
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_dewy_morn_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/chapters