# IV explained — The Uncalled

> Chapter companion for The Uncalled by Paul Laurence Dunbar.

## What happens

Miss Prime takes in five-year-old Freddie Brent after his mother's funeral. The chapter describes her prim cottage, her rigid personality, and her struggle to care for the child. Eliphalet Hodges visits, and they discuss the town's gossip and Freddie's future.

## Themes in this chapter

### Repression and Authenticity

Miss Prime's rigid self-discipline and suppression of natural emotion contrast with Freddie's instinctive childish behavior.

### Community and Gossip

The conversation between Miss Prime and Hodges highlights the pervasive gossip in the town and the community's watchful nature.

## Character check-ins

### Miss Hester Prime

Takes Freddie into her home; struggles with how to care for a child; reflects on her own disciplined life.

### Fred Brent

Now called Freddie; sits disconsolately at first, then finds comfort looking at pictures in the 'Bible Looking-Glass'.

### Eliphalet Hodges

Visits Miss Prime unexpectedly; discusses the town gossip and Freddie's situation.

### Margaret Brent

Recently deceased; her funeral is mentioned as the occasion where Hodges was seen.

## Key lines

> I never did see sich a man as 'Liphalet Hodges. Why, a body'd think that he'd been married an' raised a whole houseful o' childern. He's worse 'n a old hen.

Miss Prime marvels at how naturally Eliphalet Hodges cares for Freddie, comparing him to a fussy mother hen.

_Shows Miss Prime's surprise at Hodges' nurturing side._

> I jest can't abide to see flowers growin' every which way, fur all the world like a neighbourhood with different people's children traipsin' through everybody else's house. Everything in order, is my motto.

Miss Prime insists on strict order in her garden, disliking any chaos, which mirrors her approach to life.

_Reveals her obsession with control and order._

> How on airth am I a-goin' to do any work? I'm shore I can't set down an' tell that child stories all the time, as I've heerd tell o' folks doin'. What shall I do with him?

Miss Prime is at a loss about how to occupy Freddie while she works, showing her inexperience with children.

_Highlights her practical dilemma and lack of maternal instinct._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_uncalled_se/chapters/iv
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_uncalled_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_uncalled_se/chapters