# IV: End of Sophia explained — The Old Wives’ Tale

> Chapter companion for The Old Wives’ Tale by Arnold Bennett.

## What happens

The chapter depicts the final days of Sophia Baines (Mrs. Scales) and the aftermath of her death. Constance reflects on Sophia's life, her elopement with Gerald Scales, and the inevitable suffering that followed. Sophia dies suddenly, and Constance, along with her son Cyril, makes funeral arrangements. The chapter also explores the strained relationship between the sisters, the difficulties with their servant, and the unchanging nature of the house in the Square.

## Themes in this chapter

### Passage of Time and Aging

Sophia's sudden aging and death highlight the irreversible effects of time; Constance reflects on the past.

### Fate and the Irreversibility of Choices

Constance sees Sophia's suffering as the inevitable consequence of her elopement with Gerald Scales.

### Change and Modernity

Bursley's growing sophistication contrasts with the unchanging house and the sisters' struggles with modern servants.

## Character check-ins

### Sophia Baines

Dies in the chapter; her life and choices are reflected upon by Constance.

### Constance Baines

Grieves for Sophia and reflects on her sister's life and their shared past.

### Gerald Scales

His death is confirmed via a letter from Mr. Till Boldero.

### Cyril Povey

Returns to Bursley to help with funeral arrangements and shows unexpected competence.

### Fossette

The sick dog that Sophia cares for; her senility is noted.

### Mr. Critchlow

Calls after Sophia's death; is not allowed to see Constance.

## Key lines

> Sophia had sinned. It was therefore inevitable that she should suffer.

Constance believes Sophia's suffering is a direct punishment for her past sins.

_Reflects Constance's moral worldview and the theme of divine justice._

> She was like something used, exhausted, and thrown aside!

Sophia appears worn out and discarded in death.

_Highlights the physical toll of aging and the finality of death._

> God is not mocked!

Constance feels that divine justice has been served.

_Echoes Samuel Povey's earlier sentiment, reinforcing the theme of moral retribution._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_old_wives_tale_se/chapters/iv-end-of-sophia
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_old_wives_tale_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_old_wives_tale_se/chapters