# The Ploughman and the Gnome explained — The Windfairies

> Chapter companion for The Windfairies by Mary De Morgan.

## What happens

A poor ploughman discovers a gnome who promises him wealth in exchange for the best of everything in his household. As the ploughman grows rich, he marries a beautiful woman, but the gnome's demands escalate, eventually requiring his wife's face. The wife refuses, and the couple faces a crisis.

## Themes in this chapter

### Greed and Its Downfall

The ploughman's initial greed for wealth leads to a dangerous pact that threatens his wife's well-being and their happiness.

### Promises and Consequences

The compact between the ploughman and the gnome drives the plot, with each broken promise bringing severe repercussions.

## Character check-ins

### The Ploughman

The protagonist who makes a pact with a gnome for wealth, later struggles to meet its escalating demands.

### The Wife

The ploughman's new wife, who refuses to give up her face to the gnome and becomes distraught.

## Key lines

> to get the best of everything and give nothing in return.

The gnome offers the ploughman wealth in exchange for receiving the best of everything in his household.

_The initial bargain is struck._

> I shall give a very great deal. For as long as I remain in your house, all things will go well with you.

The gnome promises prosperity as long as it stays with the ploughman.

_The gnome outlines the benefits of the pact._

> I must have your wife's complexion to wear with her hair, or else I go at once.

The gnome demands the wife's face, threatening to leave and take the wealth.

_The gnome's final demand escalates the conflict._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_windfairies_se/chapters/the-ploughman-and-the-gnome
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_windfairies_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_windfairies_se/chapters