The Woodlanders · Chapter
II explained
Barber Percombe visits Marty South at her cottage to persuade her to sell her hair to Mrs.
What happens
Barber Percombe visits Marty South at her cottage to persuade her to sell her hair to Mrs. Charmond, who wants it for a wig to wear abroad. Marty resists, valuing her appearance and independence, but Percombe leaves two sovereigns as an inducement. After he leaves, Marty checks on her ailing father, who obsesses over a tree he believes will kill him, and learns their cottage is life-hold property.
Themes in this chapter
Sacrifice and Duty
Marty South's refusal to sell her hair highlights her resistance to sacrificing her personal appearance for financial gain, while her care for her ill father underscores her sense of duty.
Social Class and Ambition
The interaction between the wealthy Mrs. Charmond and the poor spar-maker Marty illustrates class dynamics, with Mrs. Charmond's desire for Marty's hair reflecting her ambition to attract a foreign lover.
Fate and Irony
John South's irrational fear of the tree and his belief it will kill him introduces an ironic sense of fate, as his obsession may hasten his end.
Characters to notice
- Marty South
A young woman making spars by firelight; she is pressured by Percombe to sell her hair but refuses, valuing her looks and independence.
- Mr. Percombe
The barber from Sherton who visits Marty to negotiate the sale of her hair for Mrs. Charmond, leaving two sovereigns as an incentive.
- Felice Charmond
The wealthy lady at the House who desires Marty's hair to match her own, intending to use it abroad to attract a foreign gentleman.
- John South
Marty's ailing father, bedridden and obsessively fearful that a tree will cause his death; he confirms the cottage is life-hold property.
Key passages
“He hesitated no longer, but tapped at the door and entered. The young woman turned at the crunch of his boots on the sanded floor, and exclaiming, "Oh, Mr. Percombe, how you frightened me!" quite lost her color for a moment.”
Percombe knocks and enters Marty's cottage; she startles at his arrival and turns pale.
Marty's startled reaction shows her isolation and the intrusion of the outside world into her private space.
“I value my looks too much to spoil 'em. She wants my hair to get another lover with; though if stories are true she's broke the heart of many a noble gentleman already.”
Marty refuses to sell her hair, suspecting Mrs. Charmond wants it to attract a new lover, and hints at the lady's romantic history.
Marty's defiance reveals her self-respect and awareness of Mrs. Charmond's reputation.
“Turn us out? No. Nobody can turn us out till my poor soul is turned out of my body. 'Tis life-hold, like Ambrose Winterborne's. But when my life drops 'twill be hers—not till then.”
John South explains that their cottage is life-hold property, meaning they cannot be evicted during his lifetime, but it will pass to Mrs. Charmond upon his death.
This establishes the precarious tenure of the South family and foreshadows the power Mrs. Charmond holds over them.