The Return of the Native · Chapter
The Custom of the Country explained
The chapter depicts a group of Egdon heath-dwellers gathered around a bonfire, discussing local gossip, marriage, and superstitions.
What happens
The chapter depicts a group of Egdon heath-dwellers gathered around a bonfire, discussing local gossip, marriage, and superstitions. They plan to serenade the newlyweds Thomasin Yeobright and Damon Wildeve, while reflecting on the nature of fire and its ancient, ritualistic significance.
Themes in this chapter
Nature and Landscape
The bonfire and the heath landscape are vividly described, emphasizing the primal connection between the people and their environment.
Social Class and Ambition
The discussion of Wildeve's fall from engineer to innkeeper and Thomasin's modest wedding highlights class and ambition.
Modernity vs. Tradition
The contrast between ancient fire rituals and contemporary gossip underscores the tension between old customs and modern life.
Characters to notice
- Christian Cantle
Christian expresses his fears about ghosts and his own inadequacy, revealing his superstitious and timid nature.
- Grandfer Cantle
Grandfer Cantle is lively and boastful, eager to sing and join the festivities despite his age.
- Timothy Fairway
Fairway leads the conversation, proposing a song for the newlyweds and sharing a story about a man no woman would marry.
- Thomasin Yeobright
Thomasin is the subject of discussion as the newly married woman, with neighbors commenting on her marriage to Wildeve.
- Damon Wildeve
Wildeve is mentioned as the new husband of Thomasin, a former engineer who now keeps the Quiet Woman inn.
- Susan Nunsuch
Susan expresses disapproval of Thomasin's modest wedding and criticizes Wildeve.
Key passages
“I am no drinker, as we know, but when the womenfolk and youngsters have gone home we can drop down across to the Quiet Woman, and strike up a ballet in front of the married folks’ door.”
Fairway suggests that after the women and children leave, the men should go to the Quiet Woman inn and sing a song outside the newlyweds' door.
This shows the communal custom of celebrating a marriage with music and drink.
“The ashes of the original British pyre which blazed from that summit lay fresh and undisturbed in the barrow beneath their tread.”
The ancient burial mound beneath them still contains the ashes of the original bonfire lit there centuries ago.
This connects the present bonfire to ancient rituals, emphasizing continuity.