# VIII: Making an End to Things explained — The History of Mr. Polly

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

## What happens

Mr. Polly meticulously plans his suicide and a fire to fake his death, intending to secure insurance money for Miriam. After a tense Sunday, he sets the fire but is unexpectedly rescued. He becomes a local hero, and later realizes he forgot to cut his throat, deciding to continue living.

## Themes in this chapter

### Discontent and Escape

Mr. Polly's elaborate suicide plan is driven by his profound dissatisfaction with his marriage and life, seeking escape through death.

### Class and Economic Trap

The chapter highlights Mr. Polly's financial desperation, insurance concerns, and the pressure of creditors, reflecting the economic constraints of his class.

### Marriage and Domesticity

Mr. Polly's strained relationship with Miriam is central; his plan is partly to free himself from her, yet he also shows altruistic concern for her welfare.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Polly

Plans suicide and arson, executes the fire, is rescued, and becomes a reluctant hero.

### Miriam

Mr. Polly's wife; goes to church, later discusses restarting their life after the fire.

### Rumbold

Fellow tradesman who praises Mr. Polly's bravery and discusses insurance.

### Hinks

Another tradesman who declares Mr. Polly a 'white man' and comments on the fire.

### Wintershed

Tradesman present at the gathering after the fire, discussing insurance and the disaster.

### Little Clamp

Tradesman dressed in Sunday clothes, commenting on insurance and the fire.

## Key lines

> Mr. Polly designed his suicide with considerable care, and a quite remarkable altruism.

Mr. Polly planned his suicide very carefully, showing unusual concern for others.

_Highlights his methodical and selfless approach to ending his life._

> He felt happier than he had done for years scheming out this undertaking, albeit it was perhaps a larger and somberer kind of happiness than had fallen to his lot before.

Planning his suicide made him happier than he had been in years, though it was a dark and serious happiness.

_Shows his emotional relief at the prospect of escape._

> It dawned upon Mr. Polly for the first time that he had forgotten something. He ought to have cut his throat!

Mr. Polly suddenly realized he had forgotten to cut his throat as planned.

_Comic anticlimax; his suicide attempt fails due to forgetfulness._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/viii-making-an-end-to-things
- 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