# Mr. Oakroyd Plays "The Hunted Man" for a Short Season explained — The Good Companions

> Chapter companion for The Good Companions by J. B. Priestley.

## What happens

Mr. Oakroyd initially feels happy and fulfilled working with the theatrical troupe, enjoying the travel and camaraderie. However, he becomes depressed in Haxby, haunted by fears that he is being hunted by the police over the George Jobley incident and his son Leonard's letter. His spirits are restored when he meets Mr. Ashworth, a traveller from Bruddersford, who reassures him that the case against him is nothing and he is not wanted by the police.

## Themes in this chapter

### Escape and Transformation

Oakroyd's new life as a stagehand offers him a sense of independence and fulfillment, a stark contrast to his former work at Higden's mill.

### Community and Belonging

Oakroyd's homesickness and relief upon meeting a fellow Bruddersfordian highlight his need for connection and belonging.

### Illusion vs. Reality

Oakroyd's fear of being hunted is based on a misunderstanding; the reality, as revealed by Mr. Ashworth, is that there is no case against him.

## Character check-ins

### Jess Oakroyd

Initially happy with his new life, then becomes depressed and anxious in Haxby, believing he is hunted by police. His mood lifts after meeting Mr. Ashworth.

### Inigo Jollifant

Notices Oakroyd's change in spirits and chaffs him about meeting a fellow Bruddersfordian.

### Sam Oglethorpe

Mentioned as a contrast to Oakroyd's new independence; Oakroyd no longer envies him.

### Susie Dean

Mentioned as someone who can talk at length about the many towns she has visited.

### Morton Mitcham

Mentioned as a conjurer who has traveled widely; Oakroyd draws the line at appearing on stage with him.

### Mr. Ashworth

A traveller from Higden's who meets Oakroyd in Haxby and reassures him that the police case is nothing.

## Key lines

> He put in as many hours working as he had done at Higden’s mill, and sometimes he put in a great deal more, achieving a day’s labour that would have horrified every Trade Union secretary in the country. But you could hardly call it work; it was like a kind of hobby; it was nothing but a pleasant dream of work

Oakroyd worked as long or longer than at the mill, but it felt like a hobby rather than labor.

_Highlights the theme of escape and transformation; work becomes joyful._

> He had a welcoming grin for them all. He was happy again, haunted and hunted no longer. A chance meeting that afternoon had wakened him out of his bad dream.

After meeting Mr. Ashworth, Oakroyd's mood lifted and he no longer felt pursued.

_Shows the resolution of Oakroyd's anxiety and the importance of community._

> If you’ve been fancying yourself as one of these chaps they’re all looking for and can’t catch, you can stop this minute. I don’t care what your lad wrote, it’s all nowt. He’s been reading penny bloods.

Mr. Ashworth tells Oakroyd that he is not wanted by the police and that his son's letter was based on sensational fiction.

_Reveals the illusion vs. reality theme; Oakroyd's fears are unfounded._

## Links

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