The Dewy Morn · Chapter
V explained
Mary Shaw confesses her engagement to Abner Brown and reveals the threat of his parents being evicted from their cottage, which would prevent their marriage.
What happens
Mary Shaw confesses her engagement to Abner Brown and reveals the threat of his parents being evicted from their cottage, which would prevent their marriage. Felise, moved by the plight of the old couple and Mary's future, seeks help from Mr. Goring, who is skeptical but allows her to take old Abner to appeal to the Squire. Mr. Goring reflects on his own powerlessness and resolves to act on behalf of the poor.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Injustice
The eviction threat and housing scarcity illustrate the power imbalance between landowners and laborers, and the systemic injustice faced by the poor.
Freedom vs. Control
Mr. Goring's reflection on his own withdrawal from the world contrasts with his desire to act, highlighting the tension between personal freedom and social responsibility.
Characters to notice
- Mary Shaw
Confesses her engagement to Abner Brown and pleads for Felise's help to prevent his parents' eviction.
- Felise Goring
Listens to Mary's confession, becomes determined to help old Abner Brown, and arranges to take him to see the Squire.
- Abner Brown
Engaged to Mary Shaw; his parents face eviction, threatening the couple's future.
- Mr. Goring
Initially dismissive of the appeal to the Squire, but later reflects on his own impotence and resolves to become more active in helping the poor.
- Robert Godwin
Mentioned as having already refused Felise's request for help.
- Justice Shallow Cornleigh
The Squire, who holds court on Wednesdays and is the target of old Abner's appeal.
Key passages
“If I was to tell you something now, said Mary Shaw, as she brushed Felise’s hair one morning, should you be very angry?”
Mary Shaw, while brushing Felise's hair, nervously asks if Felise would be angry if she shared a secret.
Mary's confession begins the chapter's central conflict.
“So bitterly does the scarcity of homes weigh on the labouring class in the country—a scarcity consequent upon the fact that almost all existing cottages belong to the landowners.”
The severe shortage of housing for rural workers is caused by landowners owning nearly all cottages.
The narrator explains the systemic cause of the housing crisis.
“This was one of the bitter moments of his life, bringing home to him his impotence to do good.”
Mr. Goring experiences a painful realization of his inability to help others.
Mr. Goring's internal crisis and resolve to change.