Wolf Solent · Chapter
Christie explained
Wolf Solent visits Christie Malakite alone, where they discuss her sister Olwen and the family tragedy.
What happens
Wolf Solent visits Christie Malakite alone, where they discuss her sister Olwen and the family tragedy. Their conversation deepens their connection, but when Gerda arrives, a tense and playful chase around the table reveals Wolf's conflicted desires. Later, Darnley Otter urges Wolf to bring Gerda to Christie's, and Wolf reflects on his growing emotional entanglement with Christie, recognizing her as the embodiment of his idealized vision of girlhood.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Desire
Wolf's conflicted desire for both Gerda and Christie is explored, highlighting the tension between physical attraction and idealized love.
Morality and Conscience
Christie's discussion of her sister's relationship with their father raises questions about societal morality and personal conscience.
Mythology vs. Reality
Christie's claim of descent from Merlin and her belief in spirits contrast with the harsh realities of her family's tragedy.
Characters to notice
- Wolf Solent
Wolf visits Christie alone, discusses Olwen, and feels a profound attraction to Christie while struggling with his loyalty to Gerda.
- Christie Malakite
Christie opens up to Wolf about her sister Olwen and her mother's death, showing deep emotion and a mystical belief in spirits.
- Gerda Torp
Gerda playfully evades Wolf's advances during a chase around the table, then leaves reproachfully after Wolf's abrupt question about lunch.
- Darnley Otter
Darnley urges Wolf to bring Gerda to Christie's house, defending Christie's reclusive nature.
- Olwen Smith
Olwen is discussed as Christie's sister who was sent away due to her relationship with their father, and who died by suicide.
- Selena Gault
Christie mentions Selena Gault as one of those who had Olwen sent away, acting with Mr. Smith.
Key passages
“The odd thing is, that there never seemed to me anything strangely unnatural in it. I don't think Mother ever was the right person for Father. I think from her earliest childhood there was a peculiar link between him and my sister.”
Christie tells Wolf that she never found her father's relationship with her sister Olwen unnatural, believing her mother was never suited to her father.
Christie reveals her unconventional perspective on the family scandal.
“I sent her money to come back. I would have had her here in spite of them. Her last letter—I'll show it to you one day—was full of excitement. If I'd been as old as I am now, they should never have sent her away.”
Christie expresses regret that she was too young to prevent her sister Olwen from being sent away, having tried to help her return.
Christie's guilt and defiance regarding her sister's exile.
“Never had he been more aware of the miracle of flower-petals, of”
Wolf is intensely aware of the beauty of the flowers on the mantelpiece, reflecting his heightened emotional state.
Wolf's perception of nature mirrors his inner turmoil.
“She's a complete stranger to me!”
Wolf realizes that despite his attraction, Gerda remains unfamiliar to him.
Wolf's sense of alienation from Gerda despite their intimacy.
“He discovered that the peculiar glamour which had always hovered for him like a diaphanous cloud round the impersonal idea of girlhood, had concentrated itself upon the image of Christie.”
Wolf realizes that his idealized notion of girlhood has become embodied in Christie.
Wolf's romantic idealization of Christie as a symbol of feminine mystery.
