The Revolution in Tanner’s Lane · Chapter
XXV: “And a Man’s Foes Shall Be They of His Own Household” explained
George Allen is barred from his father-in-law's house after the election riots, and his wife Priscilla is caught between her family and her husband.
What happens
George Allen is barred from his father-in-law's house after the election riots, and his wife Priscilla is caught between her family and her husband. The chapter details the escalating political tensions in Cowfold, the violent election day clashes between orange and purple factions, and Priscilla's sudden illness and death. George is left devastated, while the Broad family continues to spy on the Allens and Zachariah Coleman.
Themes in this chapter
Political Reform and Revolution
The election riots and George's canvassing work highlight the fierce struggle for political representation and the violent passions it arouses.
Love and Marriage
Priscilla's devotion to George despite family opposition, and her dying declaration of love, underscore the personal cost of marital loyalty.
Religion and Hypocrisy
The Reverend John Broad's secret inquiries about George and Zachariah's daughter, and the Broad family's spying, reveal the gap between pious profession and manipulative behavior.
Suffering and Resilience
George endures rejection, political defeat, and the sudden death of his wife, yet continues to function; Priscilla bears her illness with quiet strength.
Characters to notice
- George Allen
Barred from the Broad house after the riots; wanders the countryside; writes to Priscilla to return home; is with her when she dies.
- Priscilla Broad
Returns to George despite her parents' objections; falls ill with low fever; dies after a brief recovery, whispering her love to George.
- Thomas Broad
Refuses George entry to his house; writes to his father about the Allens' movements and about Zachariah's daughter.
- Reverend John Broad
Sends letters demanding surveillance of the Allens and inquiring about George's familiarity with Zachariah's daughter.
- Nurse Barton
Insists on staying to nurse Priscilla; comforts George and arranges for him to see his wife alone before her death.
- Zachariah Coleman
Mentioned as the unregenerate person the Allens visit; his daughter is noted for her attractiveness.
- Old Bushel
Seen waving his hat from the Angel window during the election riots; his gesture provokes the crowd.
- Mrs. Broad
Objects to Nurse Barton's presence; eventually leaves Priscilla's bedside at the doctor's insistence.
Key passages
“He that has improved the virtue or advanced the happiness of one fellow-creature … may be contented with his own performance; and, with respect to mortals like himself, may demand, like Augustus, to be dismissed at his departure with applause.”
If you have helped even one person, you can be satisfied with your life's work and ask to be honored when you die.
George recalls this passage from Dr. Johnson's The Idler to console himself after the night's disappointments.
“I am a poor silly girl, but I always loved you.”
I may be foolish and weak, but my love for you has never wavered.
Priscilla's last words to George, whispered as she dies.
