# VI explained — The History of Mr. Polly

> Chapter companion for The History of Mr. Polly by H. G. Wells.

## What happens

Mr. Polly meets Christabel, a young woman with red hair, while on a cycling holiday. They engage in a playful, romantic conversation filled with chivalric banter, and he declares his love at first sight. She asks probing questions about his life, and they arrange to meet again the next day.

## Themes in this chapter

### Imagination vs. Conformity

Mr. Polly's chivalric fantasy contrasts with the mundane reality of his shop life, as Christabel's questions probe the 'hateful secret' of his servitude.

### Heroism and Self-Discovery

Mr. Polly imagines himself as a knight errant, seeking adventure and rescue, which reflects his yearning for a more heroic identity.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Polly

Flirts with Christabel, adopting a chivalric persona and declaring love at first sight.

### Christabel

Engages in playful banter with Mr. Polly, asks about his background, and agrees to meet again.

## Key lines

> "You make me feel like one of those old knights," he said, "who rode about the country looking for dragons and beautiful maidens and chivalresque adventures."

Mr. Polly tells Christabel that she makes him feel like a medieval knight on a quest.

_Mr. Polly adopts a chivalric persona to impress Christabel._

> "There is love at first sight," he said, and said it sincerely.

Mr. Polly declares that he has fallen in love with Christabel the moment he saw her.

_Mr. Polly expresses his romantic feelings directly._

> "Come again tomorrow!"

Christabel invites Mr. Polly to return the next day.

_Christabel agrees to a second meeting._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/vi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters