The Maid of Sker · Chapter
XXXIII: In a State of Nature explained
Davy Llewellyn observes the tense and fearful atmosphere of Parson Chowne's household, learning from the head groom about Chowne's bitter past—including a childhood love for a cousin killed at school, financial betrayals, three marriages, a
What happens
Davy Llewellyn observes the tense and fearful atmosphere of Parson Chowne's household, learning from the head groom about Chowne's bitter past—including a childhood love for a cousin killed at school, financial betrayals, three marriages, and a reputation for witchcraft. Davy also inquires about Parson Jack Rambone, hearing he is well-meaning but corrupted by Chowne's influence. The chapter ends with Chowne confronting Davy over a supposed missing guinea.
Themes in this chapter
Morality and Hypocrisy
Parson Chowne's clerical role contrasts with his violent temper, lack of preaching, and reputation for witchcraft; Parson Jack is described as well-meaning but corrupted.
Family and Orphanhood
Chowne's early life marked by betrayal by guardians, stepmother, and uncle; loss of a beloved cousin; and three childless marriages.
Superstition and Religion
Chowne's reputation for witchcraft, his nocturnal habits, and the household's fearful demeanor reflect superstition intertwined with religious authority.
Characters to notice
- Davy Llewellyn
Narrator; observes Chowne's household, learns about Chowne's past, and is confronted by Chowne about a guinea.
- Parson Chowne
Suspicious and angry; confronts Davy about a trust-guinea; has a history of bitterness, three marriages, and a childhood love for a cousin killed at school.
- Parson Jack Rambone
Described as well-meaning but corrupted by Parson Chowne's society; said to feel his own sermons.
- Master Stoyle Chowne
Mentioned as having made a vow to discover and avenge the death of a beloved cousin at school.
- Hezekiah Perkins
Head groom; shares information about Parson Chowne's past and his own upcoming marriage.
Key passages
“the matter hushed up comfortably among all high authorities. But Stoyle Chowne had made a vow to discover and hunt it out to the uttermost, and sooner or later to have revenge.”
The incident was quietly covered up by those in power, but Stoyle Chowne swore to investigate it thoroughly and eventually take revenge.
Refers to the death of Chowne's cousin at school and the subsequent cover-up.
“That he was a well-meaning man enough, although without much sense of right or wrong, until his evil star led him into Parson Chowne's society.”
Parson Jack was basically good-natured but morally confused, and his association with Parson Chowne corrupted him.
Davy's assessment of Parson Jack Rambone's character.
“Restore me that trust-guinea.”
Give me back that guinea I entrusted to you.
Parson Chowne accuses Davy of stealing a guinea.