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Book 2, Chapter 6
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in The Return of the Native, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Humans vs. Nature
Modernity vs. Tradition
Class and Morality
Deception
Summary
Analysis
The day after the party, Captain Vye asks Eustacia where she’s been—he thinks that her behavior has been strange lately and wants to get to the bottom of it. At first, Eustacia replies vaguely, but she eventually admits that she was acting in a play. Eustacia’s answer amuses Captain Vye, and he drops the subject. After their conversation, Eustacia leaves and starts walking. Before long, she spots Venn and approaches him. She asks Venn why he is still in Egdon during the wintertime when his services are no longer needed. Venn admits that his continued presence is related to Thomasin. Eustacia writes him off as a last resort for Thomasin who Mrs. Yeobright is simply using to her advantage.
Although Captain Vye is Eustacia’s guardian, he treats her more as a friend than a granddaughter. He does not give her orders and allows her to go where she pleases. Unlike Mrs. Yeobright, Captain Vye is not concerned with social improprieties or his family name. Additionally, Eustacia immediately sees through Mrs. Yeobright’s scheme regarding Venn. There are moments such as this that make Eustacia seem quite perceptive. However, she still has difficulty examining her own situation with the same critical eye.
Themes
Literary Devices
In the middle of her discussion with Venn, Eustacia spots Wildeve coming up the road. Hoping to avoid him, Eustacia asks Venn if she can sit in his wagon, where she won’t be seen. However, she does not tell Venn the truth of why she wants to do so. Venn allows her to sit in the wagon and, after a short time. Wildeve passes by. Venn realizes why Eustacia hid and tells her so. Eustacia tells Venn that, despite what he may think, she wants Wildeve to marry Thomasin. Venn is surprised; he knows that Eustacia and Wildeve are meant to meet that very evening.
Eustacia’s decision to avoid Wildeve rather confront him head-on speaks to her immaturity and inability to self-reflect.
Themes
Eustacia wants to get rid of Wildeve but doesn’t know how. Venn tells her to write Wildeve a letter and says he’ll deliver it to him on Eustacia’s behalf. Eustacia does so, though she does not understand why Venn is so interested in helping another man pursue the woman he loves. Regardless, Venn takes the letter from Eustacia and delivers it to Wildeve.
Here, Venn’s motives are questionable. Certainly, he derives some satisfaction out of getting to deliver Wildeve the news. He feels Wildeve has wronged Thomasin and that this incident will put him in his place.
Themes
Eustacia’s letter is short and to the point. Eustacia blames Wildeve for their failed relationship and returns all of the gifts, via Venn, that he ever gave her. This angers Wildeve, though Venn is quite pleased. Venn thinks that Thomasin will reject Wildeve, which is what he feels Wildeve deserves. Meanwhile, Venn will be the next in line for Thomasin’s hand. Excited, Venn makes his way to Bloom’s End. However, when he arrives, he finds Wildeve who explains to Venn that he and Thomasin will soon be married. Mrs. Yeobright confirms Wildeve’s assertation and Venn departs, once again sad that he cannot marry Thomasin himself.
Venn, who largely lives apart from society, cannot believe that Thomasin would still want to be with Wildeve after what he has done. However, Thomasin and Mrs. Yeobright’s feelings about propriety and honor will not allow them to make any other decision.
Themes
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