# The Miller of Glads Mill explained — The Dewy Morn

> Chapter companion for The Dewy Morn by Richard Jefferies.

## What happens

This chapter introduces Luke Bond, the stolid and content miller of Glads Mill, who spends his days leaning on the hatch of his mill, watching the wheel turn, and shooting rats in the evenings. The narrative contrasts his simple, untroubled existence with the restless pursuit of beauty and truth, and highlights the singular moment of romance in his life when the young Felise Goring gave him three red roses, a gift he never forgot.

## Themes in this chapter

### Nature and Spirituality

The mill, the waterwheel, the black pool, and the surrounding landscape are depicted with a sense of timelessness and natural rhythm, while the superstition about water's pull hints at a spiritual or mystical connection to nature.

### Beauty and Aesthetic Worship

The chapter contrasts the stolid miller's contentment with the pursuit of beauty, suggesting that those who follow beauty suffer, yet the memory of Felise's roses—a symbol of beauty—remains undying in Bond's mind.

## Character check-ins

### Felise Goring

As a girl, Felise wanders to Glads Mill, watches the wheel, and gives Luke Bond three red roses, an act that leaves a lasting impression on him.

### Luke Bond

The miller of Glads Mill, a stout, redheaded, stolid man who is content with his simple life and treasures the memory of Felise's gift of roses.

## Key lines

> The miller of Glads Mill was a happy man.

Luke Bond, the miller, lived a life of contentment.

_Opening statement establishing Bond's character._

> She be a lady, she be.

He recognized her as a true lady.

_Bond's assessment of Felise after she gave him the roses._

> The stolid are alone happy.

Only those who are unthinking and content can be truly happy.

_A thematic reflection on the nature of happiness._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/chapters/volume-ii-iii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_dewy_morn_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/chapters