# XXXI explained — The Woodlanders

> Chapter companion for The Woodlanders by Thomas Hardy.

## What happens

Melbury, tormented by Grace's unhappiness and Fitzpiers's affair with Mrs. Charmond, seeks out Giles Winterborne to unburden his guilt and regret. He confesses his past wrong in winning Giles's father's sweetheart and his broken vow to give Grace to Giles. Melbury reveals that Grace still loves Giles and despises the refinements he bought her. He resolves to appeal to Mrs. Charmond directly, despite learning of her past as an actress. Meanwhile, rumors of the affair spread through Hintock. Giles, though wounded, remains stoic and advises Melbury to try Mrs. Charmond's generosity.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Ambition

Melbury's regret over educating Grace beyond her station and her desire to be like the simple Marty South highlights tensions between social aspiration and natural contentment.

### Sacrifice and Duty

Melbury's confession of his past wrong and his determination to appeal to Mrs. Charmond reflect a sense of duty and sacrifice for his daughter's happiness.

### Fate and Irony

The irony of Melbury's broken vow and the unintended consequences of his ambition for Grace underscore the theme of fate's ironic twists.

## Character check-ins

### George Melbury

Tormented by guilt and regret, Melbury confesses his past wrong to Giles and resolves to appeal to Mrs. Charmond.

### Giles Winterborne

Found working industriously on a hurdle contract; he listens stoically to Melbury's confession and advises him to appeal to Mrs. Charmond.

### Grace Melbury

Mentioned as still loving Giles and despising the refinements her father bought her; she refuses to appeal to Mrs. Charmond.

### Felice Charmond

Revealed to have been an actress before marriage; Melbury plans to appeal to her regarding Fitzpiers's infidelity.

### Edgar Fitzpiers

Implied to be having an affair with Mrs. Charmond; Melbury blames him for Grace's unhappiness.

### Marty South

Mentioned as the model of simplicity Grace wishes to emulate.

## Key lines

> She’d fain be like Marty South⁠—think o’ that! That’s the top of her ambition!

Grace would rather be like the simple Marty South than enjoy the refinements her father bought her.

_Melbury laments that Grace rejects the social elevation he worked for._

> One who has smiled where she has not loved and loved where she has not married. Before Mr. Charmond made her his wife she was a play-actress.

Mrs. Charmond was a woman who flirted without love and loved without marriage, and was an actress before her marriage.

_Giles reveals Mrs. Charmond's past to Melbury, complicating his plan to appeal to her._

> I would that his ear had been where that rind is! I should have treated him to little compared wi what he deserves.

Melbury wishes he could strike Fitzpiers as he strikes the tree trunk, expressing his anger at Fitzpiers's betrayal.

_Melbury's violent frustration with Fitzpiers's affair._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_woodlanders_se/chapters/xxxi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_woodlanders_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_woodlanders_se/chapters