The Maid of Sker · Chapter
Mischief in a Household explained
Parson Chowne, enraged by Davy's escape, begins a campaign of psychological terror against the Bampfylde household.
What happens
Parson Chowne, enraged by Davy's escape, begins a campaign of psychological terror against the Bampfylde household. He forces his way into Sir Philip's home, intimidates Isabel Carey, and creates a rift between Sir Philip and his son Squire Philip by spreading lies about a warrant. Isabel, feeling the strain, decides to leave Narnton Court for Lord Pomeroy's castle. Meanwhile, Davy and his companions find refuge in the kitchen of Narnton Court, learning of Chowne's further mischief, including his marriage to a shrewish woman and his manipulation of Parson Jack Rambone's marriage. Sir Philip, though aged, maintains faith that he will see his son's honor restored before he dies.
Themes in this chapter
Morality and Hypocrisy
Parson Chowne, a clergyman, engages in psychological manipulation and spreads discord, highlighting the hypocrisy of those in religious authority.
Family and Orphanhood
The chapter explores the strained relationship between Sir Philip and his son Squire Philip, as well as Isabel's departure from the household, emphasizing familial bonds and their fractures.
Gender and Power
Isabel Carey is subjected to Chowne's intimidation and ultimately forced to leave her home, illustrating the limited power of women in the face of male authority.
Characters to notice
- Davy Llewellyn
Narrates the chapter, recounts his escape from Chowne and his stay at Narnton Court, where he is summoned by Sir Philip to discuss Captain Bampfylde.
- Parson Chowne
The primary antagonist, who terrorizes the Bampfylde household, intimidates Isabel Carey, and spreads discord between Sir Philip and his son.
- Miss Isabel Carey
A young lady of beauty and property, who is frightened by Chowne's attentions and ultimately leaves Narnton Court for Lord Pomeroy's castle.
- Sir Philip Bampfylde
Aged but dignified, he maintains faith in God and his son's innocence, and is deeply affected by Isabel's departure.
- Captain Drake Bampfylde
Referred to as the Captain, he is the subject of the warrant and the focus of Sir Philip's hopes for restored honor.
- Master Heaviside
A retainer who provides Davy and his companions with shelter and information about the goings-on at Narnton Court.
Key passages
“It seems that no sooner did Parson Chowne discover how cleverly I had escaped him (after leaving my mark behind, in a way rather hard to put up with), than he began to cast about to win the last stroke somehow.”
As soon as Parson Chowne realized I had outwitted him, he started plotting his revenge.
Davy reflects on Chowne's immediate reaction to his escape.
“Great disturbances of this sort happen (by some law of nature), often in large households. Give me the quiet cottage, where a little row, just now and then, comes to pass, and is fought out, and lapses (when its heat is over) into very nice explanations.”
Big households often have big troubles; I prefer a small cottage where arguments are quickly resolved.
Davy contrasts the chaos of Narnton Court with the simplicity of cottage life.
“I shall not die until I have seen the whole of this mystery cleared off, the honour of my name restored, and my innocent son replaced in the good opinion of mankind.”
I will live until my son's name is cleared and our family honor is restored.
Sir Philip expresses his unwavering faith in divine justice.
“Her spirit was as fine and clear almost as her lovely face was, and she would not even dream that evil may get the upper hand of us.”
Isabel's spirit was as pure as her beauty, and she refused to believe that evil could triumph.
Davy describes Isabel's character and optimism.
