William—An Englishman · Chapter
II explained
This chapter describes the ideal mating of William and Griselda, who share identical views, rigid standards, and a simple creed centered on 'the People' and 'Woman.' They are portrayed as self-righteous sectarians, pacifists who are combati
What happens
This chapter describes the ideal mating of William and Griselda, who share identical views, rigid standards, and a simple creed centered on 'the People' and 'Woman.' They are portrayed as self-righteous sectarians, pacifists who are combative against domestic opponents, and internationalists who know little of foreign nations. Their engagement is marked by a solemn vow in Battersea Park to serve Progress and Humanity. The chapter culminates in Griselda's protest at a Cabinet Minister's audience, where she interrupts the speaker, leading to her removal by stewards.
Themes in this chapter
Ideological Dogmatism
William and Griselda are portrayed as cocksure, intolerant sectarians who admire loyalty in themselves but denounce it in others, highlighting their rigid and contradictory beliefs.
Nationalism vs. Internationalism
They claim to be internationalists with a friendly feeling for Germany, yet their combatant instincts are directed at domestic opponents, revealing a superficial understanding of internationalism.
Love and Marriage
Their mating is described as ideal, with a shared mission and a solemn vow in Battersea Park to serve Progress and Humanity, blending love with duty.
Characters to notice
- William Tully
Described as sharing Griselda's rigid views, a pacifist who supports strikes, and attends the meeting to support Griselda's protest.
- Griselda Tully
Portrayed as William's ideal mate, a suffragette who protests at a Cabinet Minister's audience, dressed in pale blue with safety-pins securing her blouse.
- The Suffragette
Referenced as the newspaper Griselda reads, and as a party with which she is associated during her protest.
Key passages
“The mating of William and Griselda might be called an ideal mating; theirs were indeed two hearts that beat as one.”
William and Griselda's union is portrayed as perfect, with complete harmony between them.
Introduces the central relationship of the chapter.
“They believed, in defiance of the teachings of history, that Democracy is another word for peace and goodwill towards men.”
They naively thought democracy guaranteed peace and kindness, ignoring historical evidence.
Highlights their ideological naivety.
“He was a pacifist of the type which seeks peace and ensues it by insisting firmly, and even to blood, that it is the other side’s duty to give way.”
William's pacifism was aggressive, demanding others yield to achieve peace.
Exposes the contradiction in their pacifist stance.
“Who’s this Archduke that’s been assassinated?”
Griselda asks about the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.
Shows their detachment from major world events.
“I shall go to the meeting tomorrow and make my protest.”
Griselda decides to protest at the Cabinet Minister's audience.
Sets up the climactic protest scene.