# XV explained — The Dewy Morn

> Chapter companion for The Dewy Morn by Richard Jefferies.

## What happens

Robert Godwin, consumed by jealousy, becomes convinced that Felise is the pursuer in her relationship with Martial and that they are lovers. He orchestrates meetings between them at his home, watching from his window as they play tennis and stroll, torturing himself with the sight. His obsession drives him to clean and prepare two old flintlock pistols, foreshadowing violence.

## Themes in this chapter

### Obsession and Jealousy

Godwin's jealousy drives him to spy on Felise and Martial, torturing himself with their happiness and preparing weapons.

### Love and Idealization

Felise's passionate pursuit of Martial contrasts with his indifference, highlighting the imbalance in their love.

### Freedom vs. Control

Godwin manipulates meetings and watches from his window, exerting control while Felise and Martial act freely.

## Character check-ins

### Robert Godwin

Consumed by jealousy, he spies on Felise and Martial, tortures himself with their happiness, and prepares pistols.

### Felise Goring

Portrayed as the passionate pursuer in the relationship with Martial; she eagerly participates in meetings arranged by Godwin.

### Martial Barnard

Receives Felise's love with indifference; agrees to assist Godwin with statistics and meets Felise at Beechknoll.

### Mr. Goring

Felise's uncle, a gardener who shares botanical interests with Martial and cannot thwart Felise's will.

### Miss Goring

Godwin's sister, who obeys his orders without question, sent to invite Felise to visit.

## Key lines

> the first was that Felise was the lover; Felise was courting, not courted; Felise was the passionate one.

Godwin realizes that Felise is the one actively pursuing Martial, not the other way around.

_Highlights Godwin's perception of Felise's dominant role in the relationship._

> He stretched himself on the leathern bed of torture; he turned the screws and tore himself on the rack.

Godwin deliberately inflicts emotional pain on himself by watching the lovers.

_Metaphor for Godwin's self-destructive jealousy._

> the sweet dew of their kisses was as molten iron on his lips.

The thought of Felise and Martial kissing causes Godwin intense, burning pain.

_Illustrates the visceral agony of his jealousy._

## Links

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