Toilers of the Sea · Chapter
An Unpopular Man explained
This chapter details the reasons for Gilliatt's unpopularity in the parish of St.
What happens
This chapter details the reasons for Gilliatt's unpopularity in the parish of St. Sampson, Guernsey. His mysterious origins, solitary lifestyle, unusual habits (reading books, playing bagpipes at twilight, gardening on Sundays), and associations with local superstitions—such as conversing with toads, the King of the Auxcriniers, and the Roque qui Chante—lead the community to view him with suspicion and fear, effectively placing him in a moral quarantine.
Themes in this chapter
Superstition vs. Progress
The community's fear of Gilliatt is rooted in superstitions about sorcery, mythical creatures, and omens, contrasting with his rational pursuits like reading and gardening.
Solitude and Isolation
Gilliatt's solitary life in the Bû de la Rue and his moral quarantine by society exemplify his profound isolation.
Social Class and Reputation
Gilliatt's ambiguous social standing—neither poor nor wealthy, a workman with property—fuels gossip and suspicion, affecting his reputation.
Characters to notice
- Gilliatt
The protagonist, whose eccentricities and mysterious background make him an object of local antipathy and suspicion.
- Reverend Jaquemin Hérode
Rector of St. Sampson who, during the funeral of the woman who raised Gilliatt, noted the suspicious titles of her books.
- Vesin Brovard
A mason who fell from a roof; his recovery is mentioned in a conversation attributed to Gilliatt.
- M. Gertrais-Gaboureau
Referenced indirectly as 'Old Captain Gertrais-Gaboureau' in the context of local gossip about Gilliatt.
Key passages
“Gilliatt, as we have said, was not popular in the parish. Nothing could be more natural than that antipathy among his neighbours.”
Gilliatt was disliked by the local community, and the reasons for this were obvious.
Introduces the central theme of the chapter: Gilliatt's unpopularity.
“He never went to chapel. He often went out at nighttime. He held converse with sorcerers.”
He avoided church, was active at night, and was believed to communicate with witches.
Lists behaviors that fueled suspicions of sorcery.
“He bought all birds which people brought to him, and having bought them, set them at liberty.”
He purchased birds from others only to release them.
Highlights Gilliatt's unusual kindness, which was viewed with suspicion.
“He had been seen to make strange gestures, like those of one sowing seeds.”
Witnesses observed him making odd motions, as if planting something.
Contributes to the perception of Gilliatt as eccentric or magical.
“The Reverend Jaquemin Hérode, rector of St. Sampson, when he visited the house at the time of the woman’s funeral, had read on the backs of these books the titles Rosier’s Dictionary, Candide, by Voltaire, Advice to the People on Health, by Tissot.”
During the funeral of the woman who raised Gilliatt, the local rector noted the titles of her books, which included works by Voltaire and Tissot.
Shows how even books were used as evidence of Gilliatt's questionable character.