# XIX: Face to Face explained — The Hoosier Schoolmaster

> Chapter companion for The Hoosier Schoolmaster by Edward Eggleston.

## What happens

Ralph meets Hannah in the lane at night, where she confronts him about the suspicions surrounding him. She mentions seeing him cross the bluegrass pasture on the night of the robbery and accuses him of trifling with other girls, specifically Martha Hawkins. Ralph solemnly denies ever trifling with any woman and declares his love for Hannah. Their conversation is interrupted by Mrs. Means calling Hannah. Ralph, left in despair, finds solace in his faith and the example of Christ, resolving to endure and work for God. Meanwhile, Dr. Small, who had been listening, quietly enters the house.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Marriage

Ralph and Hannah's confrontation reveals the complexities of love, trust, and societal expectations.

### Morality and Justice

Ralph's internal struggle with guilt and his solemn declaration of innocence highlight themes of moral integrity and justice.

## Character check-ins

### Ralph Hartsook

Meets Hannah in the lane, defends his honor, and declares his love for her.

### Hannah Thomson

Confronts Ralph about his actions and expresses her fears and doubts.

### Dr. Small

Listens to the conversation from the barn and then quietly enters the house.

## Key lines

> I don’t believe anything, Mr. Hartsook; that is, I don’t want to believe anything against you.

Hannah says she doesn't believe the rumors, but she is struggling not to.

_Hannah expresses her conflicted feelings about Ralph._

> If any man says that I ever trifled with any woman, he lies. I have never loved but one, and you know who that is. And God knows.

Ralph swears he has never been insincere with any woman and declares his love for Hannah.

_Ralph's solemn vow of love and innocence._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_hoosier_schoolmaster_se/chapters/xix-face-to-face
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_hoosier_schoolmaster_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_hoosier_schoolmaster_se/chapters