The Splendid Fairing · Chapter
Part I: Simon and Sarah explained
Simon and Sarah Thornthwaite travel to Witham to give up their farm at Sandholes.
What happens
Simon and Sarah Thornthwaite travel to Witham to give up their farm at Sandholes. Sarah learns she is going blind and encounters May Fleming on the road. They dine together, and Eliza confronts Sarah at a café. Simon meets with agent Mr. Dent and accepts a job at Blindbeck Farm. Sarah tells a lie about Geordie's return, and Eliza mocks them as they leave Blindbeck. May offers to bring Geordie home, crosses the sands to Sandholes, but Sarah rejects her help.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Inequality
The Thornthwaites' decision to give up Sandholes and Simon's acceptance of a hired man position at Blindbeck highlight class and economic disparities.
Obsession and Memory
Sarah's lie about Geordie's return and her rejection of May's help reflect an obsessive attachment to her past and her son.
Characters to notice
- Sarah Thornthwaite
Travels to Witham with Simon, learns she is going blind, encounters May Fleming, dines with her, is confronted by Eliza, tells a lie about Geordie, and rejects May's help.
- Simon Thornthwaite
Travels to Witham with Sarah, meets with agent Mr. Dent, and accepts a job as a hired man at Blindbeck Farm.
- May Fleming
Encountered by Sarah on the road, dines with her in Witham, offers to bring Geordie home, crosses the sands to Sandholes, but is rejected by Sarah.
- Eliza of Blindbeck
Confronts Sarah at the café and mocks Sarah and Simon as they leave Blindbeck.
- Geordie Thornthwaite
Subject of Sarah's lie about his return and May's offer to bring him home.
Key passages
“Simon and Sarah Travel to Witham”
Simon and Sarah journey to Witham to give up their farm.
Opening event of the chapter.
“Sarah Learns She Is Going Blind”
Sarah discovers she is losing her sight.
Key personal revelation for Sarah.
“Sarah Tells a Lie About Geordie's Return”
Sarah falsely claims Geordie will return.
Demonstrates Sarah's self-deception.