The Return of the Native: Book 2, Chapter 6 Summary & Analysis

As the play continues, Eustacia keeps a look out for her knight in shining armor. As she looks around, she notices that Thomasin is not present. Then, her gaze settles on Clym, who is an impressive-looking young man. Though he is handsome, one looking critically at Clym would recognize that something is eating him up inside. However, Eustacia doesn’t notice this. Instead, she immediately falls in love with him; he is everything she dreamed about and more.  

The play ends, and Timothy and Christian arrive. Mrs. Yeobright chides them for their tardiness, but they insist that they wanted to wait until the opportune time to arrive. Clym welcomes the newcomers, and everyone catches up with one another. Meanwhile, Eustacia continues to stare at Clym, still smitten by his good looks and charm. After a while, Clym offers the mummers a drink and, though Eustacia declines, Clym’s attention thrills her.

As the party continues to drag on, Eustacia begins to worry that her identity will be revealed. Nonetheless, she continues to follow Clym around, which results in her eavesdropping on a conversation between Clym and Thomasin. Clym wants Thomasin to join in the fun, but Thomasin says that she is too sick to do so. Eustacia sees through Thomasin’s excuse, though Clym is confused. Later on, Clym confronts Eustacia and asks her if she is actually a woman. Eustacia says that she is but refuses to reveal her true identity. After the party, Eustacia is upset because she knows that, although she has finally met Clym, she is no closer to getting him to marry her. Clym doesn’t even know her true identity, and she worries that Thomasin could end up with him instead.