The Uncalled · Chapter
VIII explained
Fred visits Eliphalet Hodges, who reveals that his horse Old Bess has died.
What happens
Fred visits Eliphalet Hodges, who reveals that his horse Old Bess has died. The conversation shifts to Fred's growing feelings for Elizabeth, and Eliphalet shares his own past romantic history with Miss Hester Prime. Miss Prime later announces her plan to make Fred a preacher, and Eliphalet attempts to propose to her, but is rebuffed.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Control
Eliphalet's unrequited love for Miss Prime is intertwined with her desire for independence and control over her own life and Fred's future.
Repression and Authenticity
Fred represses his feelings for Elizabeth, fearing judgment from Miss Prime, while Eliphalet struggles to express his love after years of silence.
Hypocrisy and Religion
Miss Prime's plan to make Fred a preacher reflects a utilitarian view of religion, while Eliphalet notes that Old Bess 'lived the life' better than most professing Christians.
Characters to notice
- Fred Brent
Visits Eliphalet after a night of emotional turmoil over his feelings for Elizabeth; feels guilty and embarrassed when his secret is guessed.
- Eliphalet Hodges
Grieves the death of his horse Old Bess; shares his past courtship of Miss Hester Prime and tries to propose again.
- Miss Hester Prime
Announces her decision to make Fred a preacher; dismisses Eliphalet's romantic advances.
- Elizabeth Simpson
Mentioned as the object of Fred's affection; Fred thinks 'Elizabeth is mine.'
- Old Bess
Eliphalet's horse, dies of colic; her death prompts reflections on love and companionship.
Key passages
“I’m a-goin’ to give her a decent burial, sich as a Christian ought to have; fur, while the old mare wasn’t no perfessor, she lived the life, an’ that’s more ’n most perfessors do.”
Eliphalet plans to bury Old Bess like a Christian, noting that the horse lived a better life than many church members.
Highlights the theme of hypocrisy and religion.
“Miss Prime is Uncle ’Liphalet’s girl, and Elizabeth is mine.”
Fred thinks to himself that Miss Prime belongs to Eliphalet and Elizabeth belongs to him.
Shows Fred's possessive yet innocent view of love.
“I’ve decided to make a preacher out o’ him.”
Miss Prime announces her plan to turn Fred into a minister.
Reflects her controlling nature and ambition for Fred.