The Dewy Morn · Chapter
XX explained
Felise, mourning Mary Shaw, waits for Martial under a chestnut tree.
What happens
Felise, mourning Mary Shaw, waits for Martial under a chestnut tree. Godwin confronts Mr. Goring with accusations against Martial, but Mr. Goring defends him. Felise reflects on Mary's suicide, her unwavering love for Martial, and her sorrow that he cannot love her as he loved Rosa. She walks with Martial, and they share a silent bond despite the rumors and her inner turmoil.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Idealization
Felise's love for Martial is unwavering despite rumors and his past love for Rosa; she idealizes him as a hero.
Obsession and Jealousy
Felise struggles with jealousy over Martial's past love for Rosa, but overcomes it through her devotion.
Social Class and Injustice
Mary Shaw's suicide is attributed to the threat of eviction and social disgrace, highlighting class-based oppression.
Characters to notice
- Felise Goring
Clad in black mourning for Mary Shaw, waits for Martial under the chestnut tree, reflecting on her love and sorrow.
- Martial Barnard
Returns from shooting, walks with Felise, and has confessed his past love for Rosa, causing Felise pain.
- Robert Godwin
Confronts Mr. Goring with accusations against Martial, including jilting Rosa Wood and wasting money, but is rebuffed.
- Mr. Goring
Defends Martial against Godwin's accusations, expresses regret over Mary Shaw's death, and blames Abner for not telling him.
- Mary Shaw
Her suicide is discussed; she died to save her parents from eviction, and Felise mourns her.
- Rosa Wood
Referenced as the woman Martial loved before Felise, causing Felise jealousy and sorrow.
Key passages
“The whole story is an abominable falsehood,” said Mr. Goring. “ Mr. Barnard is incapable of such a thing.”
Mr. Goring insists that the accusations against Martial are lies and that Martial would never do such things.
Mr. Goring defends Martial's character against Godwin's slander.
“Mary Shaw committed suicide because she knew that her aged father and mother, and all her family, would be expelled from their cottage if her disgrace became known. The poor girl died to save their home for them.”
Mr. Goring explains that Mary killed herself to prevent her family from being evicted due to her pregnancy.
Reveals the tragic motive behind Mary's suicide, tied to social injustice.
“He cannot love me,” she thought. “He is mine, but he cannot love me.”
Felise believes that although Martial is committed to her, he is incapable of loving her as he loved Rosa.
Felise's inner turmoil over Martial's past love for Rosa.