The Green Hat · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for The Green Hat by Michael Arlen.
Chapter 1
Dedication
The chapter is a brief dedication to F. M. Atkinson, Esquire.
Chapter 2
The Green Hat
The opening chapter introduces the narrator and the mysterious Iris March, whose green hat becomes a symbol of her unconventional and alluring presence. The narrator reflects on his return to his flat after a party, setting the stage for the complex social dynamics and themes of appearance versus reality that permeate the novel.
Chapter 3
The Green Hat
The narrator introduces the titular green hat as the first and last thing he saw of Iris Storm. He describes his former residence in Shepherd's Market, a lane of petty crime and colorful characters, before recounting his first encounter with Iris. She arrives at his flat looking for her twin brother Gerald, who is drunk and passed out. The narrator is struck by her enigmatic, unplaceable nature—she defies categorization by class, nationality, or convention. After a brief, charged interaction, she leaves, asking him to tell Gerald she came. The chapter establishes the narrator's fascination and bewilderment with Iris, setting the stage for the story of Gerald March and Iris Storm.
Chapter 4
I
The narrator reflects on the improbable nature of life compared to fiction, recalling a conversation with Venice Pollen about a tempestuous night in July. He then receives a telephone call from Iris March, who announces she is leaving England at dawn and proposes they drive into the country together to confront her fear. Their conversation touches on truth, lies, and the nature of friendship, with the narrator initially resisting but eventually agreeing to join her.
Chapter 5
II
Iris March arrives at Sutton Marle with the narrator, encountering the weeping butler Truble, who is overcome by emotion at seeing her. She reflects on her past with Napier Harpenden, their childhood beneath the ash tree 'Harrod's', and the painful separation orchestrated by Sir Maurice. Iris reveals her intention to confront Sir Maurice, acknowledging her unfairness to Venice Pollen and her determination to reclaim Napier.
Chapter 6
III
Iris March attends a tense dinner at Sir Maurice Harpenden's home, where she is confronted by Sir Maurice, Guy de Travest, and Hilary Townshend about her planned elopement with Napier Harpenden. The conversation reveals deep conflicts over loyalty, morality, and social codes, with Iris defending her autonomy against accusations of evil and betrayal.
Chapter 7
IV
The narrator visits Iris March in a Paris nursing home, where he unexpectedly encounters Napier Harpenden. Napier reveals his deep concern for Iris, and the two men share a tense moment as Napier burns a letter to protect their secret. Dr. Conrad Masters arrives and urges Napier to cheer Iris up, as she seems indifferent to living.
Chapter 8
II: The Cavalier of Low Creatures
The narrator reflects on Gerald March's character, his obsession with purity, and his troubled relationship with his twin sister Iris. He recounts their first meeting at Horton's New Voice office during the war, Gerald's descent into dipsomania, and his literary work 'The Savage Device' under the pseudonym Felix Burton, which features a character named Ava Foe that seems to mirror Iris. The chapter explores Gerald's solitary, ascetic lifestyle and his inner torment.
Chapter 9
I
The narrator reflects on the improbable nature of life compared to fiction, recalling a conversation with Venice Pollen about a tempestuous night in July. He then receives a telephone call from Iris March, who announces she is leaving England at dawn and proposes they drive into the country together to confront her fear. Their conversation touches on truth, lies, and the nature of friendship, with the narrator initially resisting but eventually agreeing to join her.
Chapter 10
I
The narrator reflects on the improbable nature of life compared to fiction, recalling a conversation with Venice Pollen about a tempestuous night in July. He then receives a telephone call from Iris March, who announces she is leaving England at dawn and proposes they drive into the country together to confront her fear. Their conversation touches on truth, lies, and the nature of friendship, with the narrator initially resisting but eventually agreeing to join her.
Chapter 11
III
Iris March attends a tense dinner at Sir Maurice Harpenden's home, where she is confronted by Sir Maurice, Guy de Travest, and Hilary Townshend about her planned elopement with Napier Harpenden. The conversation reveals deep conflicts over loyalty, morality, and social codes, with Iris defending her autonomy against accusations of evil and betrayal.
Chapter 12
III: For Purity!
The narrator and Hilary discuss Iris March (now Mrs. Storm) and her tragic past. Hilary reveals that Iris was married to Boy Fenwick, who died on their wedding night in 1913, and that she later married Hector Storm. The conversation touches on Gerald's hatred for his sister, family curses, and the moral contradictions of Iris's life.
Chapter 13
I
The narrator reflects on the improbable nature of life compared to fiction, recalling a conversation with Venice Pollen about a tempestuous night in July. He then receives a telephone call from Iris March, who announces she is leaving England at dawn and proposes they drive into the country together to confront her fear. Their conversation touches on truth, lies, and the nature of friendship, with the narrator initially resisting but eventually agreeing to join her.
Chapter 14
II
Iris March arrives at Sutton Marle with the narrator, encountering the weeping butler Truble, who is overcome by emotion at seeing her. She reflects on her past with Napier Harpenden, their childhood beneath the ash tree 'Harrod's', and the painful separation orchestrated by Sir Maurice. Iris reveals her intention to confront Sir Maurice, acknowledging her unfairness to Venice Pollen and her determination to reclaim Napier.
Chapter 15
III
Iris March attends a tense dinner at Sir Maurice Harpenden's home, where she is confronted by Sir Maurice, Guy de Travest, and Hilary Townshend about her planned elopement with Napier Harpenden. The conversation reveals deep conflicts over loyalty, morality, and social codes, with Iris defending her autonomy against accusations of evil and betrayal.
Chapter 16
IV
The narrator visits Iris March in a Paris nursing home, where he unexpectedly encounters Napier Harpenden. Napier reveals his deep concern for Iris, and the two men share a tense moment as Napier burns a letter to protect their secret. Dr. Conrad Masters arrives and urges Napier to cheer Iris up, as she seems indifferent to living.
Chapter 17
IV: Aphrodite
The narrator reflects on Iris March's past with Boy Fenwick and her views on purity, then accompanies her from the Loyalty Club through London streets. They discuss freedom, England, and Gerald March's situation before arriving at the narrator's flat, where Iris reveals her troubled thoughts about humanity and existence.
Chapter 18
I
The narrator reflects on the improbable nature of life compared to fiction, recalling a conversation with Venice Pollen about a tempestuous night in July. He then receives a telephone call from Iris March, who announces she is leaving England at dawn and proposes they drive into the country together to confront her fear. Their conversation touches on truth, lies, and the nature of friendship, with the narrator initially resisting but eventually agreeing to join her.
Chapter 19
II
Iris March arrives at Sutton Marle with the narrator, encountering the weeping butler Truble, who is overcome by emotion at seeing her. She reflects on her past with Napier Harpenden, their childhood beneath the ash tree 'Harrod's', and the painful separation orchestrated by Sir Maurice. Iris reveals her intention to confront Sir Maurice, acknowledging her unfairness to Venice Pollen and her determination to reclaim Napier.
Chapter 20
V: The Dark Letter
The narrator, in Paris, encounters Cherry-Marvel at the Ritz and learns that Iris March (Mrs. Storm) is ill and has undergone a minor operation. Despite Cherry-Marvel's evasive and aesthetic chatter, the narrator grows increasingly worried. He takes a taxi through the dark, chaotic streets of Paris to a nursing home, reflecting on his past with the city and his concern for Iris.
Chapter 21
I
The narrator reflects on the improbable nature of life compared to fiction, recalling a conversation with Venice Pollen about a tempestuous night in July. He then receives a telephone call from Iris March, who announces she is leaving England at dawn and proposes they drive into the country together to confront her fear. Their conversation touches on truth, lies, and the nature of friendship, with the narrator initially resisting but eventually agreeing to join her.
Chapter 22
II
Iris March arrives at Sutton Marle with the narrator, encountering the weeping butler Truble, who is overcome by emotion at seeing her. She reflects on her past with Napier Harpenden, their childhood beneath the ash tree 'Harrod's', and the painful separation orchestrated by Sir Maurice. Iris reveals her intention to confront Sir Maurice, acknowledging her unfairness to Venice Pollen and her determination to reclaim Napier.
Chapter 23
VI: The Red Lights
The narrator reflects on the destructive force of fate, which has brought Napier and Iris together again after years apart, setting in motion the ruin of Venice. In a Paris nursing home, the narrator confronts a hostile lay-sister while waiting for news of Iris, who is gravely ill. Napier arrives, distraught and guilt-ridden, revealing his secret correspondence with Iris and his desperate need to see her. The narrator realizes that Napier and Iris's reunion began on the night of Gerald's death, when Iris's red taillights swerved into South Audley Street, and that Iris is now pregnant with Napier's child. The narrator sides with Venice, Napier's wife, and tries to persuade Napier to leave before Venice discovers his betrayal.
Chapter 24
I
The narrator reflects on the improbable nature of life compared to fiction, recalling a conversation with Venice Pollen about a tempestuous night in July. He then receives a telephone call from Iris March, who announces she is leaving England at dawn and proposes they drive into the country together to confront her fear. Their conversation touches on truth, lies, and the nature of friendship, with the narrator initially resisting but eventually agreeing to join her.
Chapter 25
II
Iris March arrives at Sutton Marle with the narrator, encountering the weeping butler Truble, who is overcome by emotion at seeing her. She reflects on her past with Napier Harpenden, their childhood beneath the ash tree 'Harrod's', and the painful separation orchestrated by Sir Maurice. Iris reveals her intention to confront Sir Maurice, acknowledging her unfairness to Venice Pollen and her determination to reclaim Napier.
Chapter 26
III
Iris March attends a tense dinner at Sir Maurice Harpenden's home, where she is confronted by Sir Maurice, Guy de Travest, and Hilary Townshend about her planned elopement with Napier Harpenden. The conversation reveals deep conflicts over loyalty, morality, and social codes, with Iris defending her autonomy against accusations of evil and betrayal.
Chapter 27
IV
The narrator visits Iris March in a Paris nursing home, where he unexpectedly encounters Napier Harpenden. Napier reveals his deep concern for Iris, and the two men share a tense moment as Napier burns a letter to protect their secret. Dr. Conrad Masters arrives and urges Napier to cheer Iris up, as she seems indifferent to living.
Chapter 28
V
After leaving the nursing home, the narrator is persuaded by Conrad Masters to attend a party at Masters' home, despite his desire to sleep. They discuss Iris March's condition and the need to prevent Napier from leaving Paris so she can see him again.
Chapter 29
VII: For Venice!
The narrator awakens in Paris on a spring morning, reflecting on Iris's illness and Napier's enchantment with Venice. He observes the bustling rue de la Paix and later meets Venice Pollen, who reveals her anxiety about not being able to have a child. Venice decides to leave Paris for Provence with Napier, hoping to escape the tension surrounding Napier's concern for Iris.
Chapter 30
I
The narrator reflects on the improbable nature of life compared to fiction, recalling a conversation with Venice Pollen about a tempestuous night in July. He then receives a telephone call from Iris March, who announces she is leaving England at dawn and proposes they drive into the country together to confront her fear. Their conversation touches on truth, lies, and the nature of friendship, with the narrator initially resisting but eventually agreeing to join her.
Chapter 31
II
Iris March arrives at Sutton Marle with the narrator, encountering the weeping butler Truble, who is overcome by emotion at seeing her. She reflects on her past with Napier Harpenden, their childhood beneath the ash tree 'Harrod's', and the painful separation orchestrated by Sir Maurice. Iris reveals her intention to confront Sir Maurice, acknowledging her unfairness to Venice Pollen and her determination to reclaim Napier.
Chapter 32
VIII: Piqûre du cœur
The narrator visits Iris March in a Paris nursing home, where she is recovering from a severe illness. Their conversation is intimate and emotional, touching on her near-death experience, her feelings of being unwanted, and her gratitude toward the narrator. The chapter explores themes of life, death, and emotional vulnerability, culminating in a tearful goodbye as Iris prepares to leave England.
Chapter 33
I
The narrator reflects on the improbable nature of life compared to fiction, recalling a conversation with Venice Pollen about a tempestuous night in July. He then receives a telephone call from Iris March, who announces she is leaving England at dawn and proposes they drive into the country together to confront her fear. Their conversation touches on truth, lies, and the nature of friendship, with the narrator initially resisting but eventually agreeing to join her.
Chapter 34
II
Iris March arrives at Sutton Marle with the narrator, encountering the weeping butler Truble, who is overcome by emotion at seeing her. She reflects on her past with Napier Harpenden, their childhood beneath the ash tree 'Harrod's', and the painful separation orchestrated by Sir Maurice. Iris reveals her intention to confront Sir Maurice, acknowledging her unfairness to Venice Pollen and her determination to reclaim Napier.
Chapter 35
III
Iris March attends a tense dinner at Sir Maurice Harpenden's home, where she is confronted by Sir Maurice, Guy de Travest, and Hilary Townshend about her planned elopement with Napier Harpenden. The conversation reveals deep conflicts over loyalty, morality, and social codes, with Iris defending her autonomy against accusations of evil and betrayal.
Chapter 36
IX: Talking of Hats
The narrator reflects on Iris March's past and her relationship with Guy de Travest, recalling a night when she drove recklessly to Maidenhead. He describes buying her a green hat for her upcoming voyage to Rio de Janeiro, and later converses with Guy about London, swimming, and a children's party organized by Venice Pollen. The chapter explores Iris's enigmatic nature and the tension between her and the narrator.
Chapter 37
I
The narrator reflects on the improbable nature of life compared to fiction, recalling a conversation with Venice Pollen about a tempestuous night in July. He then receives a telephone call from Iris March, who announces she is leaving England at dawn and proposes they drive into the country together to confront her fear. Their conversation touches on truth, lies, and the nature of friendship, with the narrator initially resisting but eventually agreeing to join her.
Chapter 38
II
Iris March arrives at Sutton Marle with the narrator, encountering the weeping butler Truble, who is overcome by emotion at seeing her. She reflects on her past with Napier Harpenden, their childhood beneath the ash tree 'Harrod's', and the painful separation orchestrated by Sir Maurice. Iris reveals her intention to confront Sir Maurice, acknowledging her unfairness to Venice Pollen and her determination to reclaim Napier.
Chapter 39
X: The Fall of the Emerald
The narrator reflects on a tense dinner party at Guy de Travest's, where Iris March's presence disrupts the seemingly harmonious couples—Napier and Venice, Hugo and Shirley. After dinner, a reckless car race ensues between Iris and Guy, ending at Quindle's inn for a late-night swim, during which an emerald is lost. The narrator senses the hidden turmoil beneath the surface of social normality.
Chapter 40
I
The narrator reflects on the improbable nature of life compared to fiction, recalling a conversation with Venice Pollen about a tempestuous night in July. He then receives a telephone call from Iris March, who announces she is leaving England at dawn and proposes they drive into the country together to confront her fear. Their conversation touches on truth, lies, and the nature of friendship, with the narrator initially resisting but eventually agreeing to join her.
Chapter 41
II
Iris March arrives at Sutton Marle with the narrator, encountering the weeping butler Truble, who is overcome by emotion at seeing her. She reflects on her past with Napier Harpenden, their childhood beneath the ash tree 'Harrod's', and the painful separation orchestrated by Sir Maurice. Iris reveals her intention to confront Sir Maurice, acknowledging her unfairness to Venice Pollen and her determination to reclaim Napier.
Chapter 42
XI: St. George for England!
The narrator reflects on the improbable nature of life compared to fiction, then recounts a climactic night when Iris March drives him to Sutton Marle to confront Sir Maurice Harpenden. Along the way, Iris reveals her determination to reclaim her inheritance and her love for Napier, while the narrator grapples with moral qualms. At the manor, the old butler Truble weeps at Iris's return, and Iris shows both defiance and vulnerability.
Chapter 43
I
The narrator reflects on the improbable nature of life compared to fiction, recalling a conversation with Venice Pollen about a tempestuous night in July. He then receives a telephone call from Iris March, who announces she is leaving England at dawn and proposes they drive into the country together to confront her fear. Their conversation touches on truth, lies, and the nature of friendship, with the narrator initially resisting but eventually agreeing to join her.
Chapter 44
II
Iris March arrives at Sutton Marle with the narrator, encountering the weeping butler Truble, who is overcome by emotion at seeing her. She reflects on her past with Napier Harpenden, their childhood beneath the ash tree 'Harrod's', and the painful separation orchestrated by Sir Maurice. Iris reveals her intention to confront Sir Maurice, acknowledging her unfairness to Venice Pollen and her determination to reclaim Napier.
Chapter 45
III
Iris March attends a tense dinner at Sir Maurice Harpenden's home, where she is confronted by Sir Maurice, Guy de Travest, and Hilary Townshend about her planned elopement with Napier Harpenden. The conversation reveals deep conflicts over loyalty, morality, and social codes, with Iris defending her autonomy against accusations of evil and betrayal.
