The Dewy Morn · Chapter
XXI explained
Abner Brown, imprisoned on suspicion of murder, learns from a constable that Mary Shaw has been buried in an oak coffin paid for by Felise Goring.
What happens
Abner Brown, imprisoned on suspicion of murder, learns from a constable that Mary Shaw has been buried in an oak coffin paid for by Felise Goring. The news of Felise's kindness moves Abner to tears, contrasting with the harshness of his situation and the injustice of his confinement.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Injustice
Abner's imprisonment on unsupported charges and the contrast between oak and deal coffins highlight class-based injustice and the dehumanization of the poor.
Beauty and Aesthetic Worship
Felise's insistence on oak for Mary's coffin reflects a respect for the dead that transcends class, touching on the aesthetic and moral importance of proper burial.
Characters to notice
- Abner Brown
Imprisoned and grieving Mary Shaw's death; moved to tears by Felise's kindness in providing a proper burial.
- Mary Shaw
Has been interred; her suicide and burial in oak are discussed.
- Felise Goring
Arranged for Mary Shaw's oak coffin, showing compassion despite the circumstances.
- Mr. Goring
Presumed to have paid for the oak coffin arranged by Felise.
- Justice Shallow Cornleigh
Remanded Abner Brown until the magistrates' meeting.
Key passages
“They've planted her. Mary Shaw had been interred.”
Mary Shaw has been buried.
The constable informs Abner of Mary's burial.
“Miss Goring paid for it. Leastways her had it done; s'pose Mr. Goring paid for it. She said she could not abear her to be buried in deal like the workhouse folk. So her lies in oak.”
Felise Goring arranged for Mary to be buried in an oak coffin instead of the cheap deal used for paupers.
Felise's compassion ensures Mary receives a dignified burial.
“He was himself in prison, labelled forever as a suspected murderer, simply because he was poor; for no man who wore broadcloth and gold watch-chain would have been committed on so unsupported a charge.”
Abner is imprisoned and branded a suspected murderer only because of his poverty; a wealthy man would not have been charged on such weak evidence.
The narrative condemns class-based injustice in the legal system.