The Splendid Fairing · Chapter
VII explained
As the Thornthwaites prepare to leave Blindbeck, the crowd gathers hoping for another confrontation.
What happens
As the Thornthwaites prepare to leave Blindbeck, the crowd gathers hoping for another confrontation. Eliza emerges transformed, calm and mocking, and taunts Sarah about her lies and mental state. She then reveals that Simon is considering taking the cowman's job at Blindbeck, shocking Sarah. The crowd, however, does not applaud Eliza's cruelty, and they disperse in discomfort.
Themes in this chapter
Community and Gossip
The crowd gathers to watch the Thornthwaites' departure, hoping for another confrontation, and later withholds applause from Eliza, showing the fickle nature of public opinion.
Family Rivalry and Envy
Eliza's mockery and revelation of Simon's potential job at Blindbeck highlight the ongoing rivalry and envy between the families.
The Power of Self-Deception
Sarah's earlier lie about Geordie's return is used by Eliza to question her sanity, reflecting themes of self-deception and its consequences.
Characters to notice
- Sarah Thornthwaite
Sarah is the target of Eliza's mockery; she sighs in resignation upon learning Simon may work at Blindbeck.
- Simon Thornthwaite
Simon is embarrassed and angry, trying to escape the scene; he threatens Eliza with a whip.
- Eliza of Blindbeck
Eliza shifts from rage to a smooth, mocking demeanor, publicly humiliating Sarah and revealing Simon's potential job.
- Will Thornthwaite
Will defends Sarah, telling Eliza to leave her alone, and opens the gate for the departing trap.
- Elliman Wilkinson
Elliman is part of the audience; Eliza steps on his feet, and he later whispers to Sally.
- Mary Phyllis
Mary Phyllis is present in the crowd, and Elliman whispers to her after Eliza's taunt.
Key passages
“So you’re off, are you, Sarah? Ay, well, you’ll be best at home! I reckon our Sally’s right, and you’re not yourself at all. Mind and see doctor again, first thing as ever you can. It’s a bad sign, they say, to go making up fancy tales. Folks as get telling lies is framing for softening of the brain.”
Eliza sarcastically tells Sarah she belongs at home, suggests she is unwell, and warns that lying leads to mental decline.
Eliza uses feigned concern to publicly humiliate Sarah and undermine her credibility.
“You’ll have to speak different from that, Mr. Thornthet, if you’re coming to Blindbeck to act as our hired man!”
Eliza shouts that Simon will need to change his tone if he intends to work as a hired hand at Blindbeck.
Eliza reveals Simon's secret plan to work at Blindbeck, shocking Sarah and the crowd.