The Revolution in Tanner’s Lane · Chapter
III: The Theatre explained
Major Maitland invites Zachariah and his wife to the theatre to see Edmund Kean in 'Othello'.
What happens
Major Maitland invites Zachariah and his wife to the theatre to see Edmund Kean in 'Othello'. Zachariah is delayed by work, and his wife grows impatient. She ultimately leaves with the Major, leaving a ticket and note for Zachariah, which are accidentally burned. Zachariah arrives home to find them gone, feels neglected, but later goes to the theatre and is deeply moved by the performance. The next morning, the misunderstanding is cleared up, and the couple shares a rare moment of happiness.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
The strained relationship between Zachariah and his wife is highlighted by her impatience and his feelings of neglect, yet a brief reconciliation occurs.
The Role of Women
Mrs. Coleman's limited agency and emotional dependence are shown; her excitement for the theatre contrasts with her domestic frustrations.
Religion and Hypocrisy
The Independents' condemnation of theatre and dancing contrasts with the characters' actual behavior and desires.
Characters to notice
- Major Maitland
Arranges the theatre outing, shows gallantry toward Mrs. Coleman, and leaves a ticket for Zachariah.
- Zachariah Coleman
Delayed by work, misses the departure, feels hurt and neglected, but later attends the play and is profoundly affected.
- Mrs. Zachariah
Eager for the outing, grows impatient and angry at Zachariah's delay, leaves with the Major, and feels guilty for her enjoyment.
Key passages
“The theatre and dancing in 1814 were an abomination to the Independents. Since 1814 they have advanced, and consequently they not only go to plays and dance like other Christians, but the freer, less prejudiced, and more enlightened encourage the ballet, spend their holidays in Paris, and study French character there.”
In 1814, attending plays and dancing were considered sinful by the Independents, but over time they have become more liberal, now enjoying these activities like other Christians.
Highlights the shift in religious attitudes toward entertainment.
“She was in a fretful agony of impatience. She rose and looked out of the window, thought she heard somebody on the stairs, went outside on the landing, returned, walked up and down, and mentally cursed her husband, not profanely—she dared not do that—but with curses none the less intense.”
She was extremely impatient, repeatedly checking for her husband and cursing him in her mind, though not using profanity.
Illustrates Mrs. Coleman's intense frustration and inner turmoil.
“The symbolism of an act varies much, and what may be mere sport to one is sin in another. The Major’s easy manners and very free courtesy were innocent so far as he was concerned; but when his rigid, religious companion in the hackney coach felt them sweet, and was better pleased with them than she had ever been with her husband’s caresses, she sinned, and she knew that she sinned.”
The same action can mean different things to different people: the Major's casual politeness was harmless to him, but for Mrs. Coleman it felt like a betrayal of her marriage.
Explores subjective morality and the emotional conflict within Mrs. Coleman.