The Octopus · Chapter
Chapter II explained
Annixter is preoccupied with Hilma Tree, the dairy girl, and struggles with his feelings for her.
What happens
Annixter is preoccupied with Hilma Tree, the dairy girl, and struggles with his feelings for her. He observes her talking with Delaney and becomes jealous, resolving to send her away. He later prepares to visit Los Muertos, but his plans are complicated by his emotions and a request from Presley.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Loss
Annixter's internal conflict and jealousy over Hilma Tree illustrate the theme of romantic attraction and emotional turmoil.
Class Conflict
Annixter's view of Hilma as an 'inferior' and his position as ranch owner highlight class distinctions and power dynamics.
Characters to notice
- Annixter
Struggles with his attraction to Hilma Tree, observes her with Delaney, and prepares to visit Los Muertos.
- Hilma Tree
The dairy girl who attracts Annixter; she is seen talking with Delaney and later serves Annixter breakfast.
- Delaney
A ranch hand who talks with Hilma and rides the buckskin horse.
- Presley
Calls Annixter to ask him to bring his bicycle to Los Muertos.
- Billy
The stableman who informs Annixter about Delaney and the buckskin.
Key passages
“He would not have believed that a girl so young should have had arms so big and perfect.”
Annixter is surprised by Hilma's strong, attractive arms.
Reveals Annixter's growing physical attraction to Hilma.
“He resolved upon a terrible demeanour in the presence of the dairy girl—a great show of indifference, a fierce masculine nonchalance; and when, the next morning, she brought him his breakfast, he had been smitten dumb as soon as she entered the room.”
Annixter plans to act indifferent toward Hilma but becomes speechless when she arrives.
Highlights Annixter's internal conflict and awkwardness around Hilma.
“To Annixter's mind the pair seemed astonishingly intimate. Brusquely his anger flamed up. Ah, that was it, was it? Delaney and Hilma had an understanding between themselves.”
Annixter becomes jealous when he sees Hilma talking with Delaney, suspecting a romantic relationship.
Illustrates Annixter's jealousy and possessiveness.
“It was the original, intended and natural delicacy of an elemental existence, close to nature, close to life, close to the great, kindly earth.”
Hilma's refinement is a natural result of her simple, outdoor life on the ranch.
Reflects the theme of nature and the natural order.