The Nebuly Coat · Chapter
Chapter III explained
Westray settles into his lodgings at Bellevue Lodge, where his aesthetic sensibilities are offended by the decor, particularly a garish flower painting.
What happens
Westray settles into his lodgings at Bellevue Lodge, where his aesthetic sensibilities are offended by the decor, particularly a garish flower painting. After ringing for his landlady, he is surprised to be answered by Anastasia Joliffe, who has been taking a violin lesson from Mr. Sharnall. Westray's embarrassment at the social awkwardness is palpable. Later, he encounters Mr. Joliffe, the pork-butcher, who offers pious platitudes about the church restoration. Meanwhile, Anastasia returns to Sharnall, who is irritable and makes a crude joke; she breaks down in tears, confessing her misery over unpaid debts and her aunt's struggles.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Ambition
Westray's discomfort at finding a lady answering the bell highlights the rigid class expectations of the time. Anastasia's lowly position contrasts with her evident refinement.
Art and Authenticity
Westray's critical assessment of the flower picture and his impeccable taste reflect the theme of artistic judgment and the clash between genuine art and vulgar decoration.
Decay and Preservation
The restoration of the Minster is a central concern, and the town's physical state—arcades, shops, the inn—suggests a place in need of preservation or renewal.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Westray
Westray is critical of the decor in his lodgings, particularly the flower picture, and plans to request its removal. He is embarrassed when Anastasia answers the bell instead of a servant, and he stammers apologies.
- Miss Anastasia Joliffe
Anastasia is revealed to be the violinist in Sharnall's lesson. She answers Westray's bell with downcast eyes and a weary voice, and later breaks down crying to Sharnall about her family's financial struggles and her aunt's overwork.
- Mr. Sharnall
Sharnall is impatient and irritable during the violin lesson, making a crude joke about Westray and Anastasia. He later apologizes but reveals his own ill health and temper.
- Miss Euphemia Joliffe
Mentioned as working herself to death and considering selling household items; she is out when Westray rings.
- Mr. Joliffe
The pork-butcher greets Westray with pious remarks about the church restoration and offers unsolicited patronage.
Key passages
“shell flowers, chairs with worsted-work backs, sofa-cushions with worsted-work fronts, two cheap vases full of pampas-grass, and two candlesticks with dangling prisms, grated sadly on Westray’s taste, which he had long since been convinced was of all tastes the most impeccable.”
Westray found the decorative items in the room—such as shell flowers, worsted-work upholstery, cheap vases, and prisms—offensive to his refined aesthetic sensibilities.
Westray's snobbery and artistic judgment are established early in the chapter.
“It was a low, sweet voice, with more of weariness in it than of humility. If he chose to blame her, she was ready to take the blame; but it was Westray who now stammered some incoherent apologies.”
Anastasia's voice was gentle but tired, and she accepted blame without complaint, which made Westray feel awkward and caused him to apologize clumsily.
The social role reversal embarrasses Westray and reveals Anastasia's resigned dignity.
“I often manage to snatch a few minutes from the whirl of business about midday myself, and seek a little quiet meditation in the church. If you are there then, I shall be glad to give you any help in my power.”
Mr. Joliffe, the pork-butcher, pompously offers to assist Westray with the church restoration during his midday break.
Mr. Joliffe's self-importance and religious posturing are satirized.
“Oh, I am so miserable— everything is so miserable. There are father’s debts not paid, not even the undertaker’s bill paid for his funeral, and no money for anything, and poor Aunt Euphemia working herself to death.”
Anastasia breaks down, lamenting her father's unpaid debts, the funeral bill, and her aunt's exhausting efforts to keep the household afloat.
This outburst reveals the family's dire financial straits and Anastasia's emotional burden.
