VIII explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Social Class and Ambition

  Grace's education and father's ambition create a social distance from Giles; Mrs. Charmond's interest in Grace may stem from her own loneliness and status.

• Nature and the Woodland

  The planting of fir-trees and the sighing of the trees symbolize the connection between humans and nature, with Giles's skill in tree-planting highlighted.

• Isolation and Community

  Hintock House's isolated, damp location contrasts with the community life; Mrs. Charmond's solitude and Grace's return to Hintock explore themes of belonging.

Characters to notice

• Grace Melbury

  Visits Mrs. Charmond at Hintock House, feeling pride and anticipation; her appearance contrasts with Mrs. Charmond's in the mirror.

• Giles Winterborne

  Plans a Christmas party to test Grace's feelings; plants fir-trees with Marty South, lost in thought about Grace.

• Marty South

  Assists Giles in planting trees despite a cold from cutting her hair; reflects on the sighing of the trees as a metaphor for life.

• Felice Charmond

  Hosts Grace at Hintock House, showing her mantraps and discussing the new surgeon; seems lonely and interested in Grace's company.

• Edgar Fitzpiers

  Mentioned as the newly arrived surgeon who studies theology and metaphysics; his light is seen late at night.

Key passages

• “He had a marvellous power of making trees grow. Although he would seem to shovel in the earth quite carelessly, there was a sort of sympathy between himself and the fir, oak, or beech that he was operating on, so that the roots took hold of the soil in a few days.”

  Giles had a natural talent for planting trees; even when he appeared careless, his intuitive connection with the trees ensured they rooted quickly.

  Highlights Giles's affinity with nature and his skill in woodland work.

• “It seems to me, as if they sigh because they are very sorry to begin life in earnest—just as we be.”

  Marty observes that the young trees seem to sigh when planted, as if reluctant to start their lives, much like humans.

  Reflects Marty's melancholic view of life and her empathy with nature.

• “The situation of the house, prejudicial to humanity, was a stimulus to vegetation, on which account an endless shearing of the heavy-armed ivy was necessary, and a continual lopping of trees and shrubs.”

  The damp, hollow location of Hintock House was unhealthy for people but encouraged lush plant growth, requiring constant pruning.

  Illustrates the contrast between human comfort and natural abundance.