# IX explained — The Good Companions

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

## What happens

As snow falls on Luddenstall and the New Year is celebrated, Jess Oakroyd writes a letter to his daughter Lily, updating her on his life with the Good Companions, his visit to Bruddersford, and his concerns about his wife's health.

## Themes in this chapter

### Community and Belonging

The chapter depicts communal New Year festivities and Jess's affectionate letter, emphasizing bonds of family and troupe.

## Character check-ins

### Jess Oakroyd

Writes a letter to his daughter Lily, describing his Christmas, visit to Bruddersford, and the Good Companions' success.

## Key lines

> My dear Daughter, I am writing these lines to say I am still in the pink and hoping you are the same.

Jess writes to his daughter Lily, assuring her he is in good health and wishing her well.

_Opens the letter with a warm, standard greeting._

> I went on tram to Bruddersford and called at 51. Your Mother was looking poorly but when I asked her said she was alright and as she was a bit short with me could get nothing out of her.

Jess visited his wife in Bruddersford, found her looking unwell, but she was dismissive and gave him no information.

_Reveals tension and concern in Jess's family relations._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/ix
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_good_companions_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters