The Dewy Morn · Chapter
XXII explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Goring takes Felise to a public meeting in Maasbury where Cornleigh Cornleigh is to be presented with a testimonial. The meeting is marked by political tension between the ruling party and an opposition wedge. Felise observes the crowd's brutality with dismay, while Mr. Goring explains the historical context of violence at elections. Meanwhile, Letitia Cornleigh's scheme for an 'Art Culture in the Homes of the Poor' society is critiqued as an insult to the needy, who require food and comfort rather than pictures. Felise gives old Abner Brown half-a-crown for beef and ale. Rosa Wood is present in the gallery, watching Felise intently. Martial is on the platform, and Felise worries for his safety.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Injustice
The chapter contrasts the privileged platform party with the opposition crowd and critiques the insult of offering art to the hungry poor instead of food.
Beauty and Aesthetic Worship
The proposed art society is condemned as grotesque; true art is argued to arise from security and home-life, not from imposed pictures.
Freedom vs. Control
The political meeting shows the struggle between the controlling Cornleigh party and the opposition, while the Ballot Act is discussed as a tool for honest expression.
Characters to notice
- Felise Goring
Accompanies Mr. Goring to the meeting; is distressed by the loss of Mary and the violence of the crowd; gives Abner Brown half-a-crown for beef and ale.
- Mr. Goring
Drives Felise to Maasbury; explains the political scene and the history of election violence; tries to provide Felise with a change of scene.
- Martial Barnard
On the platform at the meeting; Felise is anxious for his safety.
- Rosa Wood
Present in the gallery; watches Felise intently with a sinister gaze.
- Robert Godwin
On the platform at the meeting.
- Letitia Cornleigh
In high spirits over her political management; proposes the Society for the Encouragement of Art Culture in the Homes of the Poor.
- Abner Brown
Given half-a-crown by Felise to buy beefsteak and ale.
- Justice Shallow Cornleigh
The subject of the testimonial and the meeting; his political position is being bolstered.
Key passages
“Absolute silence—absolute retirement, destroys a man’s hold on the world. Not for the best of all objects could he now obtain the attention of the well-disposed; he could call no one to assist the innocent and helpless. Alone, a man is powerless.”
Complete withdrawal from society makes a person unable to influence others or get help, even for a good cause.
Reflects on Mr. Goring's loss of social influence after years of seclusion.
“To suppose that any man is likely to be the better because a picture is graciously hung on his walls above the heads of squalling children, and over the table scarcely supplied with bread, is indeed a monstrous perversion of common sense.”
It is absurd to think that giving a picture to a starving family will improve them, when they need food.
Critique of the art-for-the-poor scheme.
“The wretched beings require food, and you give them a picture.”
The poor need sustenance, not art.
Condemns misplaced philanthropy.
