The Dewy Morn · Chapter
XXIX explained
Robert Godwin, in a moment of lucidity after his violent attack on Felise, takes his own life.
What happens
Robert Godwin, in a moment of lucidity after his violent attack on Felise, takes his own life. The chapter reflects on his loveless, materialistic existence and his inability to imagine a future beyond his unattainable passion. His death is described as purely selfish, with no reparation or nobility. Meanwhile, Martial Barnard, after refusing offers of reconciliation from the Cornleighs and Rosa Wood's financial aid, receives a career opportunity from London friends, leading to his marriage to Felise.
Themes in this chapter
Obsession and Jealousy
Godwin's nine-year obsession with Felise drives him to suicide, illustrating the destructive power of unattainable love.
Freedom vs. Control
Godwin's mechanical precision in ordering his papers contrasts with his loss of control over his passions, while Martial gains freedom through rejecting old ties.
Social Class and Injustice
The Cornleighs' reluctance to lose tenants and the Squire's attempt to reconcile with Martial reflect class tensions and economic power dynamics.
Characters to notice
- Robert Godwin
Commits suicide after a period of insanity, reflecting on his nine-year obsession with Felise and his materialistic worldview.
- Felise Goring
Marries Martial Barnard; previously begged that Godwin's assault on her not be made public.
- Martial Barnard
Refuses Rosa Wood's offer and Cornleigh's reconciliation; receives a job offer from London friends and marries Felise.
- Mr. Goring
Reproaches himself for not seeking Godwin's arrest after the assault on Felise.
- Rosa Wood
Writes a letter repeating her noble offer of financial aid to Martial, which he refuses.
- Mary Shaw
Mentioned as someone for whom Godwin's death renders no reparation.
Key passages
“He had not stayed to look at the stars, or to consider before his deed in the shadow of the chestnut tree. His purpose was death, and he had walked to it straight without looking to the right or to the left.”
Godwin did not pause to admire the stars or reflect under the chestnut tree; he walked directly toward his goal of death, ignoring everything around him.
Highlights Godwin's single-minded focus on suicide, devoid of any spiritual or aesthetic appreciation.
“The idea of immortality had never been grasped, nor the idea of anything beyond the material and tangible.”
Godwin had never understood the concept of an afterlife or anything that wasn't physical and concrete.
Emphasizes Godwin's materialistic worldview, which contributes to his inability to find solace or meaning beyond his obsession.
“He knew then that the last nine years of his life had been in vain; that he might as well have been dead those nine years; that he might as well have been dead from the very moment he beheld her, and his unattainable love began.”
Godwin realized that the past nine years since he first saw Felise had been wasted, as his love was never reciprocated and his life had been futile.
Captures Godwin's epiphany about the futility of his obsession, leading to his decision to end his life.
“His death atoned for nothing. The manner and the time of it were absolutely and purely selfish. He died for himself and for no other.”
Godwin's suicide did not make amends for any wrongs; it was entirely self-centered, with no thought for others.
Underlines the narrative's judgment of Godwin's suicide as lacking any redemptive or sacrificial quality.
“Before the golden tints had faded from the trees, Felise and Martial were married.”
Felise and Martial married before the autumn leaves lost their golden color.
Provides a poetic conclusion to the chapter, contrasting the death of Godwin with the new life of Felise and Martial.
