The Maid of Sker · Chapter
XXXII: Among the Savages explained
Davy Llewellyn recounts his encounter with Parson Chowne and Parson Jack Rambone, during which Chowne interrogates him about his recent actions and advises him to suppress his finer feelings for practical gain.
What happens
Davy Llewellyn recounts his encounter with Parson Chowne and Parson Jack Rambone, during which Chowne interrogates him about his recent actions and advises him to suppress his finer feelings for practical gain. Davy then enters Chowne's house, where he charms the kitchen maids despite the poor fare, and later struggles with a moral dilemma over whether to keep a secret or report to his employer. After a restless night plagued by nightmares of Chowne, he attempts to ride to Barnstaple Fair but is thrown by one horse and forced to tow another, eventually meeting Chowne near his house at midday.
Themes in this chapter
Morality and Hypocrisy
Davy struggles between his sense of honour and his duty to his employer, while Parson Chowne dismisses chivalry and honesty as luxuries for the rich, revealing a hypocritical moral code.
Social Class and Identity
Davy's interactions in the kitchen highlight class dynamics, as he uses his worldly knowledge to charm the maids, while Chowne's treatment of him underscores the power imbalance between a wealthy parson and a poor fisherman.
Superstition and Religion
The chapter references Parson Chowne's reputed witchcraft and the supernatural power attributed to him, blending religious authority with folk superstition.
Characters to notice
- Davy Llewellyn
Narrates the chapter; reflects on his moral conflict, his interactions with Parson Chowne, and his attempts to reach Barnstaple Fair.
- Parson Chowne
Confronts Davy near his house, interrogates him about recent events, and advises him to prioritize business over chivalry; later appears in Davy's nightmare.
- Parson Jack Rambone
Present with Parson Chowne, giving advice about a young dog's tongue; described as Chowne's greatest friend.
- Bardie
Mentioned in Davy's recollection of her word 'degustin' and in his concern not to speak of her actions under the willow tree.
Key passages
“You have done pretty well on the whole, but you must do better next time, my man. You must not allow all these delicate feelings, chivalry, resolute honesty, and little things of that sort, to interfere thus with business.”
Parson Chowne tells Davy that he has performed adequately but must suppress his finer sentiments, such as chivalry and honesty, in favor of practical concerns.
Chowne advises Davy to prioritize material gain over moral scruples, reflecting the theme of morality and hypocrisy.
“I played with myself, in saying this. No man ever should play with himself. It shows that he thinks too troublesomely; and soon may come, if he carries it on, almost to forget that other people are nothing, while himself is everything.”
Davy reflects that indulging in self-deception or overthinking leads to selfishness and a loss of perspective on others.
Davy's introspection reveals his awareness of the dangers of excessive self-focus, a key aspect of his character.