The Green Hat · Chapter
IV: Aphrodite explained
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.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Purity and Corruption
The chapter explores Iris's traumatic association with purity through Boy Fenwick's idealistic cruelty, her statement 'It would be nice to die for purity,' and her subsequent disillusionment.
Gender and Sexual Double Standards
Iris is observed furtively by men who look at her 'like cows at a bull' because of her reputation, highlighting societal judgment of women with lovers.
Modernity and Alienation
Iris speaks of freedom as a prison, feeling trapped by her own liberty and the purposelessness of modern life, and describes humanity as 'cooped in this musty little house.'
Characters to notice
- Iris March
Iris walks with the narrator from the Loyalty Club, discusses her dinner with Victor Duck, her views on freedom and England, and reveals her distress about Gerald and her existential thoughts.
- Hilary Townshend
Hilary accompanies the narrator and Iris to the Loyalty Club, makes comments about Venice Pollen and Mr. Pollen, and is present during the walk.
- Gerald March
Gerald is mentioned by Iris as being harassed by authorities; his light is on at the flat, causing Iris concern.
- Boy Fenwick
Boy Fenwick is recalled as the man who loved Iris and whose idealistic cruelty left a lasting scar on her, associated with the phrase 'die for purity.'
- Venice Pollen
Venice is mentioned by Hilary as being about to marry Naps (Napier Harpenden) and as a loyal girl.
- Victor Duck
Victor Duck is mentioned by Iris as the man she dined with, who has taken to caddishness like a drug.
Key passages
“It would be nice to die for purity.”
Iris once expressed a desire to sacrifice herself for the sake of purity.
This phrase haunts the narrator and reflects Iris's past trauma with Boy Fenwick.
“Wait till you're so free that you just daren't do what you like.”
True freedom can be paralyzing, making one afraid to act on their desires.
Iris explains to the narrator that her freedom feels like a prison.
“To me there's something terribly indecent about humanity, all humanity.”
Iris finds the human condition inherently shameful and disturbing.
She reveals her existential despair while standing in the dark landing.