Women in Love · Chapter
VI: Crème de Menthe explained
Gerald and Birkin meet at a café in London, where they encounter a young woman known as the Pussum.
What happens
Gerald and Birkin meet at a café in London, where they encounter a young woman known as the Pussum. The scene explores the bohemian underworld of artists and intellectuals, revealing the tense, volatile relationship between the Pussum and her lover Halliday. Gerald is drawn to her dark, sensual presence, and the chapter ends with a sense of dangerous attraction and impending conflict.
Themes in this chapter
Male-Female Polarity and Power
The chapter explores the power dynamics between Gerald and the Pussum, as well as the toxic, dependent relationship between the Pussum and Halliday, highlighting themes of dominance, submission, and sexual tension.
Human Connection and Isolation
Despite the crowded café, characters remain emotionally isolated, with the Pussum's sullen detachment and Gerald's predatory fascination underscoring a lack of genuine connection.
Art, Sensibility, and the Artist
The bohemian setting and characters like the Pussum and Halliday, who are part of the artistic milieu, reflect the novel's exploration of the artist's life and sensibility.
Characters to notice
- Gerald Crich
Gerald enters the café, observes the bohemian scene, and becomes fascinated by the Pussum, feeling a powerful, almost cruel attraction to her.
- Rupert Birkin
Birkin is present at the café, acting as a mediator between the Pussum and Halliday, and introduces Gerald to the group.
- Pussum
The Pussum is a young artist's model with a sullen, defiant demeanor. She is pregnant and in a tumultuous relationship with Halliday, and she captivates Gerald with her dark, sensual presence.
- Halliday
Halliday is the Pussum's lover, a weak, hysterical man who both fears and is drawn to her. He reacts with panic and jealousy upon seeing her at the café.
- Maxim
Maxim is a prim, calm Russian man who is part of the café group and subtly prompts Gerald to buy champagne.
Key passages
“He seemed to be entering in some strange element, passing into an illuminated new region, among a host of licentious souls.”
Gerald felt as if he were stepping into a bizarre, brightly lit world filled with morally unrestrained people.
This describes Gerald's impression of the café's bohemian atmosphere.
“She was very still, almost null, in her manner, apart and watchful. She appealed to Gerald strongly. He felt an awful, enjoyable power over her, an instinctive cherishing very near to cruelty.”
The Pussum was quiet and detached, which attracted Gerald. He sensed a thrilling, almost cruel dominance over her.
This highlights the power dynamic and Gerald's predatory attraction.
“He gave Gerald the impression that he was terrified of her, and that he loved his terror. He seemed to relish his own horror and hatred of her, turn it over and extract every flavour from it, in real panic.”
Halliday seemed both afraid of the Pussum and oddly fascinated by his own fear, savoring the intense emotions she provoked.
This describes Halliday's masochistic relationship with the Pussum.