# V: An Old Move Inadvertently Repeated explained — The Return of the Native

> Chapter companion for The Return of the Native by Thomas Hardy.

## What happens

Eustacia, living with her grandfather after leaving Clym, is deeply unhappy. Charley tries to cheer her by building a bonfire on November 5th, which inadvertently signals Wildeve. Wildeve arrives, and they discuss her misery; he offers to help her escape to Paris. Eustacia agrees to signal him if she decides to accept his help.

## Themes in this chapter

### Isolation and Loneliness

Eustacia's profound isolation and despair are highlighted; she feels trapped in Egdon and yearns for escape.

### Love and Marriage

The strained marriage between Eustacia and Clym, and the lingering connection between Eustacia and Wildeve, are explored.

### Fate and Destiny

The accidental bonfire signal and Wildeve's prompt response suggest a fateful rekindling of their relationship.

## Character check-ins

### Eustacia Vye

Living with her grandfather, deeply unhappy, contemplates escaping to Paris with Wildeve's help.

### Damon Wildeve

Responds to the bonfire signal, offers to help Eustacia escape, expresses remorse for her unhappiness.

### Charley

Builds a bonfire to cheer Eustacia, inadvertently signals Wildeve, devoted to her well-being.

### Captain Vye

Mentions the anniversary of meeting Venn, comments on Eustacia's past choices.

### Thomasin Yeobright

Seen in the distance carrying her baby, referenced by Charley.

## Key lines

> you are in great misery; I see it in your eyes, your mouth, and all over you. My poor, poor girl!

Wildeve tells Eustacia he can see she is deeply unhappy.

_Wildeve expresses pity and concern for Eustacia's state._

> I did not light it!

Eustacia insists the bonfire was not her doing.

_Eustacia denies intentionally signaling Wildeve._

> Help me to get to Budmouth harbour without my grandfather's or my husband's knowledge, and I can do all the rest.

Eustacia asks Wildeve to help her escape to Budmouth secretly.

_Eustacia plans to flee to Paris via Budmouth._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_return_of_the_native_se/chapters/v-an-old-move-inadvertently-repeated
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_return_of_the_native_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_return_of_the_native_se/chapters