The Wonderful Visit · Chapter
The Last Day of the Visit explained
On the morning of the last day of the Angel's visit, Mrs.
What happens
On the morning of the last day of the Angel's visit, Mrs. Hinijer speaks with the Vicar, who becomes disconcerted and insists the Angel must leave. The Vicar spends the day making a list of clothes and supplies for the Angel, but the Angel does not return for lunch or tea. As evening falls, the Vicar grows anxious and fretful, dining alone as the chapter hints at an impending farewell.
Themes in this chapter
Innocence vs. Experience
The Angel's growing wisdom of the world contrasts with the Vicar's protective, anxious planning for his departure, highlighting the tension between innocence and the demands of society.
Social Hypocrisy and Conformity
The Vicar's worry about the Angel's appearance and the tailor's insinuating manners underscores the pressure to conform to social norms, even as the Angel remains untouched by such concerns.
Characters to notice
- The Angel
Goes out to the moor after breakfast and does not return for lunch, tea, or dinner.
- The Vicar
Disconcerted after Mrs. Hinijer's interview, spends the day making a list of clothes for the Angel, and grows increasingly anxious as the Angel fails to return.
- Mrs. Hinijer
Has an interview with the Vicar in the morning and serves dinner with a reproachful tone.
Key passages
“He must go," he said; "certainly he must go," and straightway he forgot the particular accusation in the general trouble.”
The Vicar insisted the Angel had to leave, but immediately became distracted by his overall anxiety.
Shows the Vicar's conflicted state and his tendency to avoid specific issues.
“The Vicar's face grew troubled; twice he went and stared at the darkening hillside, and then fretted back to the house again.”
The Vicar became worried and repeatedly looked out at the darkening landscape, then returned to the house in agitation.
Illustrates the Vicar's growing unease as the Angel fails to return.