The Dewy Morn · Chapter
XII explained
Felise and Martial sit in Godwin's neglected garden, discussing Shakespeare's plays and the beauty of bare, unadorned performances.
What happens
Felise and Martial sit in Godwin's neglected garden, discussing Shakespeare's plays and the beauty of bare, unadorned performances. Their conversation shifts to the harsh treatment of the poor by the Cornleigh family, including the case of old Abner Brown. Though they speak of trivial matters, Felise is deeply absorbed in her feelings for Martial.
Themes in this chapter
Art and Authenticity
Martial argues that Shakespeare's plays are most beautiful when performed without scenery or elaborate costumes, emphasizing the raw power of the words and the imagination.
Social Class and Injustice
Felise and Martial discuss the cruel treatment of old Abner Brown and the disdain of the Cornleighs for their tenants, highlighting the harsh realities of class inequality.
Love and Idealization
Felise is so absorbed in her feelings for Martial that she barely hears his words, idealizing him and the moment despite the desolate garden setting.
Characters to notice
- Felise Goring
Sits with Martial in Godwin's garden, deeply absorbed in her feelings for him while discussing Shakespeare and social injustice.
- Martial Barnard
Passionately discusses Shakespeare's plays and their ideal performance, then catches himself and shifts to mundane topics; expresses helplessness about the Squire's cruelty.
- Robert Godwin
His garden is the setting; he is mentioned as being absent, and Martial notes he is taking a long time.
- Abner Brown
Felise raises the case of old Abner, who faces eviction to the workhouse, and asks Martial to intervene.
- Sir Edward Cornleigh
Mentioned as the recipient of a testimonial for his parliamentary service; his family's harshness toward tenants is criticized.
- Mr. Goring
Felise says he will not subscribe to the testimonial for Sir Edward Cornleigh.
Key passages
“I like to see Shakespeare played without any scenery or accessories.”
Martial prefers Shakespeare performed with minimal staging, focusing on the text itself.
Martial expresses his aesthetic ideal of pure, unadorned theatre.
“There is not the least chance for your aged cottager. To the workhouse he must go; it's good enough for him, you see. It is brutally cruel.”
Martial tells Felise that old Abner Brown has no hope of avoiding the workhouse, and condemns the cruelty of the system.
Martial acknowledges the harsh fate awaiting Abner Brown due to the Squire's indifference.