The History of Henry Esmond · Chapter
VIII: After Good Fortune Comes Evil explained
The smallpox outbreak in the village threatens Castlewood.
What happens
The smallpox outbreak in the village threatens Castlewood. Henry Esmond, having spent time with the blacksmith's sick child, is accused by Lady Castlewood of endangering her son Frank. A heated argument ensues, but Lady Castlewood eventually apologizes, and Lord Castlewood defends Henry.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Identity
Henry's low birth is thrown in his face by Lady Castlewood, highlighting the tension between his dependent status and his place in the household.
Family and Kinship
Lady Castlewood's fierce protectiveness of her son Frank contrasts with her harsh treatment of Henry, revealing the boundaries of familial loyalty.
Honor and Sacrifice
Henry defends Nancy Sievewright's honor against Doctor Tusher's insinuations, showing his sense of personal integrity.
Characters to notice
- Henry Esmond
Accused of bringing smallpox to Castlewood after visiting the alehouse and sitting with the blacksmith's sick child.
- Lady Castlewood
Angrily confronts Henry for potentially infecting her son Frank, but later apologizes.
- Frank Castlewood
The young Viscount who was on Henry's lap after Henry had been with the sick child.
- Beatrix Esmond
Pouts and refuses Henry's attention, playing with her dog Fido; later sent to bed by her mother.
- Lord Castlewood (Francis)
Defends Henry against Lady Castlewood's accusations, though he is tipsy and jokes about the situation.
- Tom Tusher
Brings news of the smallpox outbreak and later argues with Henry about the alehouse visit.
- Nancy Sievewright
The pretty barmaid at the Three Castles with whom Henry has been meeting; her little brother is ill with smallpox.
Key passages
“My lord took charge of the stables, the kennel, and the cellar—and he filled this and emptied it too.”
Lord Castlewood managed the horses, dogs, and wine supply, and he drank heavily.
Describes Lord Castlewood's drinking habits.
“Beatrix, who would come to her tutor willingly enough with her book and her writing, had refused him, seeing the place occupied by her brother, and, luckily for her, had sat at the further end of the room, away from him, playing with a spaniel dog...”
Beatrix, usually eager to study with Henry, refused to sit near him because her brother was on his knee, and instead played with her dog at a distance.
Beatrix's jealousy and the lucky distance that may have spared her from infection.
“He wants to go to the alehouse—let him go, cried my lady. I'm d⸺d if he shall, said my lord.”
Lady Castlewood said Henry should be allowed to leave for the alehouse, but Lord Castlewood swore he would not let him go.
The conflict between Lord and Lady Castlewood over Henry's fate.