Tom Brown’s School Days · Chapter
The War of Independence explained
Tom Brown and Harry East, now in the lower-fourth form, face increased bullying and tyranny from Flashman and the fifth-form boys after their protector, a praepostor, leaves.
What happens
Tom Brown and Harry East, now in the lower-fourth form, face increased bullying and tyranny from Flashman and the fifth-form boys after their protector, a praepostor, leaves. They contemplate a strike against unjust fagging, recalling old Brooke's advice to stand up for themselves. The chapter describes the chaotic lower-fourth form, Tom's loss of his good character, and the deteriorating order in the Schoolhouse, emphasizing the influence of leading boys on school tone.
Themes in this chapter
Bullying and Justice
Tom and East rebel against Flashman's tyranny, seeking justice through a strike and recalling old Brooke's ethos of self-reliance.
Friendship and Loyalty
Tom and East's bond strengthens as they plot together against oppression, sharing grievances and support.
Education and School Life
The lower-fourth form's disorder, the fagging system, and the decline of school governance illustrate the challenges of school life.
Character and Moral Development
Tom loses his good character in the lower-fourth, and the chapter reflects on how leading boys shape moral tone.
Characters to notice
- Tom Brown
Broods over the wrongs of fags and decides to refuse fagging except for the sixth form; loses his steady character in the lower-fourth.
- Harry East
Supports Tom's strike idea, reads Pickwick, and shares hatred of Flashman; a mischievous but loyal friend.
- Flashman
Tyrannical bully who seizes the study in Tom and East's passage, fags them, and is despised as a coward.
- Brooke
Old Brooke is remembered for his strong rule and advice to 'take our own parts'; his departure leads to decline in order.
- Dr. Arnold
Referenced as the ultimate authority; Tom wishes he would catch Flashman at brandy-punch.
- Morgan
A sixth-form boy who might intervene if told about the bullying, but telling is against school principles.
Key passages
“They are slaves who will not choose Hatred, scoffing, and abuse, Rather than in silence shrink From the truth they needs must think; They are slaves who dare not be In the right with two or three.”
People who refuse to speak out against injustice, even at the cost of facing hatred and mockery, are truly enslaved; true freedom requires standing up for what is right, even if only a few agree.
Epigraph from Lowell's 'Stanzas on Freedom' sets the theme of resistance against tyranny.
“I say, Scud, what right have the fifth-form boys to fag us as they do?”
Tom questions the legitimacy of fifth-form boys forcing younger students to do their chores.
Tom initiates a debate on the justice of the fagging system.
“Down with the tyrants! I'm all for law and order, and hurrah for a revolution.”
East enthusiastically calls for overthrowing the bullies, advocating for a rebellion to restore proper order.
East's rallying cry for a strike against Flashman's faction.