The Inheritors · Chapter
VIII explained
The narrator continues his work with Churchill and Fox, spending time at Churchill's home where he observes the political machinations surrounding the Duc de Mersch's Greenland railway scheme.
What happens
The narrator continues his work with Churchill and Fox, spending time at Churchill's home where he observes the political machinations surrounding the Duc de Mersch's Greenland railway scheme. He encounters the Dimensionist girl, now presented as his sister, at a social gathering, and feels jealousy and resentment toward Gurnard and de Mersch for their intimacy with her.
Themes in this chapter
Power of the Press and Manipulation
The narrator works for the Hour, writing articles and handling publicity for Mrs. Hartly, while Fox manipulates him and others for the paper's ends.
Love and Betrayal
The narrator's adoration of Mrs. Hartly and his intense feelings for the Dimensionist girl are complicated by jealousy and the girl's intimacy with Gurnard and de Mersch.
Modernity and Amorality
The political and financial dealings around the Greenland railway are portrayed as shabby and self-serving, reflecting a modern amorality.
Characters to notice
- Unknown Narrator
Works with Churchill and Fox, adores Mrs. Hartly, and feels overwhelmed and jealous upon meeting the Dimensionist girl again.
- Mr. Churchill
Reluctantly agrees to meet the Duc de Mersch and Gurnard to discuss the Greenland railway; works with the narrator on the Life of Cromwell.
- Miss Churchill
Churchill's aunt, manages his schedule and household, receives guests, and warns the narrator not to talk about the railway matter.
- The Duc de Mersch
Visits Churchill to discuss the Greenland railway; is intimate with the Dimensionist girl, provoking the narrator's jealousy.
- Mr. Gurnard
Chancellor of the Exchequer, dines with Churchill and de Mersch to discuss the railway; is familiar with the Dimensionist girl.
- Mr. Fox
Utilizes the narrator for various tasks at the Hour; described as a vulgarian but a 'wonderful man' who gets what he wants.
Key passages
“I never understood her in the least, and I very much doubt whether she ever understood a word I said. I imagine that I must have talked to her about her art or her mission—things obviously as strange to her as to the excellent Hartly himself.”
The narrator admits he never understood Mrs. Hartly and suspects she didn't understand him either; he likely spoke to her about art or purpose, concepts foreign to her.
Reflects the narrator's one-sided infatuation and his tendency to project meaning onto others.
“I used to have an idea that I was going to reform him; that one day I should make him convert the Hour into an asylum for writers of merit.”
The narrator once believed he could change Fox and turn the Hour into a haven for talented writers.
Highlights the narrator's naivety and Fox's manipulative hold over him.
“I found myself hating him, thinking that he was not the sort of man she ought to know.”
The narrator felt hatred toward Gurnard, believing he was an unsuitable acquaintance for the Dimensionist girl.
Shows the narrator's jealousy and protective feelings toward the girl.