The Old Pitcher at the Well Again explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Morality and Hypocrisy

  Chowne's villainy and imposture are punished by divine justice; Parson Rambone's guilt and reform highlight moral reckoning.

• Family and Orphanhood

  Chowne's gypsy origins and his attack on his grandfather underscore broken family ties; Sir Philip's death affects the Bampfylde lineage.

• Superstition and Religion

  Chowne's death is seen as a judgment from God; Parson Rambone's sermon and the community's fear reflect religious and superstitious beliefs.

Characters to notice

• Davy Llewellyn

  Reflects on Chowne's death and provides moral commentary, recalling his earlier prediction about Chowne's fate.

• Parson Jack Rambone

  Stricken with guilt after executing Chowne; Davy comforts him and notes his subsequent reform.

• Parson Chowne

  Dies of rabies after setting his hound on his own grandfather; revealed to be a gypsy impostor.

• Sir Philip Bampfylde

  Dies of shame after learning of Chowne's deceit and his own role in disbelieving his brother.

• Captain Rodney Bluett

  Present at the gathering after Chowne's death, befriended by Parson Rambone.

Key passages

• “It helps a thoughtless man on his road towards a better kingdom, to get a glimpse, every now and then, of such visitations of the Lord.”

  Seeing divine punishment can guide a careless person toward righteousness.

  Davy reflects on the moral lesson of Chowne's death.

• “I am Jack Ketch; I am worse; I am Cain. I have murdered my own dear brother.”

  Parson Rambone feels like an executioner and a fratricide for killing Chowne.

  Rambone's guilt over carrying out the execution.

• “It is the judgment of God... He set the dogs at his grandfather, and now he would bite his own mother!”

  Mrs. Steelyard sees Chowne's rabies as divine retribution for his cruelty.

  Revelation of Chowne's true origins and the cause of his death.