# Chapter VIII explained — The History of Mr. Polly

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

## What happens

Mr. Polly and his bride, Miriam, depart by train for their honeymoon after their wedding, with Mr. Voules and the wedding party seeing them off. They settle into a compartment alone, and Mr. Polly awkwardly kisses her.

## Themes in this chapter

### Marriage and Domesticity

The chapter depicts the immediate aftermath of the wedding, with the couple alone for the first time, highlighting the awkwardness and social performance of marriage.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Polly

The groom, waving his hat as the train departs, then awkwardly kissing his bride.

### Miriam

The bride, now Mrs. Polly, waving her handkerchief and commenting on the rice thrown at them.

### Mr. Voules

Dominating figure at the station, waving the equestrian grey hat and kissing his hand to the bride.

### Elfrid

Addressed by Miriam as 'Elfrid' during their private moment in the compartment.

## Key lines

> At last it was time for the two young people to catch the train for Waterloo en route for Fishbourne.

Finally, the newlyweds had to hurry to catch their train to Waterloo, heading to Fishbourne for their honeymoon.

_Sets the scene for their departure._

> The rice ’e must ’ave bought. Pounds and pounds!

Miriam remarks on the enormous amount of rice that must have been purchased for the wedding.

_Reflects the wedding tradition and Miriam's practical, slightly critical nature._

> Ain’t you going to kiss me, Elfrid, now we’re alone together?

Miriam asks Mr. Polly if he intends to kiss her now that they are alone.

_Highlights the awkward intimacy and social expectation of their new marriage._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/viii
- 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