The Uncalled · Chapter
XII explained
Fred Brent is ordained as a minister against his will, faints during the ceremony, and afterward refuses to participate in the celebratory dinner, asserting his newfound independence from Mrs.
What happens
Fred Brent is ordained as a minister against his will, faints during the ceremony, and afterward refuses to participate in the celebratory dinner, asserting his newfound independence from Mrs. Hodges' control.
Themes in this chapter
Repression and Authenticity
Fred's letter reveals his deep internal conflict between his true desires and the role forced upon him, culminating in his fainting and refusal to celebrate.
Determinism vs. Free Will
Fred feels carried by an 'unseen and relentless power' and struggles to fail his ordination exam, highlighting the tension between fate and personal agency.
Parental Legacy and Identity
Fred's relationship with Eliphalet and Mrs. Hodges reflects his search for a father figure and his rebellion against the identity imposed by his guardians.
Characters to notice
- Fred Brent
Struggles internally against his forced path into the ministry, writes a letter expressing his desire for revolt, faints at his ordination, and later refuses to see guests or attend the dinner.
- Eliphalet Hodges
Comforts Fred after his collapse, embraces him as a son, and protects him from visitors despite Mrs. Hodges' wishes.
- Mrs. Hester Hodges
Plans the ordination dinner and tries to force Fred to appear, but is shocked when he asserts his will and refuses.
- Elizabeth Simpson
Visits Fred after the ordination but is turned away by Eliphalet on Fred's behalf.
- Mr. Simpson
Retires from active work, paving the way for Fred's appointment as his successor.
Key passages
“I am ripe for revolt. The devil is in me—a restrained, quiet, well-appearing devil, but all the more terrible for that.”
Fred feels ready to rebel, describing his anger as a hidden but powerful force.
Fred's letter to Taylor reveals his suppressed defiance.
“He wished that he could die then and there, for death seemed the only escape from his bondage. He was bound, irrevocably bound.”
Fred feels trapped and sees death as his only way out of his unwanted role.
After ordination, Fred's despair deepens.
“If God had given me such a man as you as a father, or even as a guardian, I would not have been damned.”
Fred tells Eliphalet that having him as a father or guardian would have saved him from his fate.
Fred expresses his regret and affection for Eliphalet.
“I didn't ask for them. Neither will I come out or see anyone. If I am old enough to be the pastor of a church, I am old enough to know my will and have it.”
Fred refuses to attend the dinner, asserting his newfound independence.
Fred's defiance marks a turning point in his relationship with Mrs. Hodges.