The Blithedale Romance
Chapter XVII: “The Hotel”
by Nathaniel Hawthorne
Arriving in the city, Coverdale spends most of his time alone in his rooms.
Arriving in the city, Coverdale spends most of his time alone in his rooms.
Newland travels to Boston.
Years have passed. The narrator reveals what Dorian’s life has become.
Noticing that Hilda’s light has gone out, Kenyon worries for her safety.
Jo runs into Laurie and the two trade secrets.
En route to the Stubbins home, Doctor Dolittle describes Polynesia and the role she played in his development as a doctor and his understanding of various animal languages. An old friend makes a surprise visit bringing word of various friends and acquaintances.
A brief essay by the author is presented to the reader. Rawdon and Rebecca continue to live on chance. An earlier incident involving Rawdon is revisited.
When she wakes, Jane finds herself in her own bedroom, in the care of Mr. Lloyd, the family’s kind apothecary. Bessie is also present, and she expresses disapproval of her mistress’s treatment of Jane. Jane remains in bed the following day, and Bessie sings her a song. Mr. Lloyd speaks with Jane about her life at Gateshead, and he suggests to Jane’s aunt that the girl be sent away to school, where she might find happiness. Jane is cautiously excited at the possibility of leaving Gateshead.Soon after her own reflections on the past in the red-room, Jane learns more of her history when she overhears a conversation between Bessie and Miss Abbott. Jane’s mother was a member of the wealthy Reed family, which strongly disapproved of Jane’s father, an impoverished clergyman. When they married, Jane’s wealthy maternal grandfather wrote his daughter out of his will. Not long after Jane was born, Jane’s parents died from typhus, which Jane’s father contracted while caring for the poor.
Just as the meeting between the boys is ending they find there is a fire in town. They go to investigate, and possibly lend a hand, and find that there is trouble to be found.
Carol is introduced to Will Kennicott while visiting a friend, and soon they begin their courtship.
George's assignment at the advertising agency leaves him feeling unsatisfied. George reaps the benefits of having advised Archibald Purdy in a real estate matter.
Phoebe is mesmerized by the story and tells Holgrave that she must return home for a short time. Holgrave tells Phoebe his feelings about Hepzibah and Clifford and that he senses trouble. Phoebe leaves.
Nancy overhears a conversation between Monks and Fagin, prompting her to pay a visit to Mrs. Maylie.
Mr. Douglass, having received some education from his master's wife, aspires to learn even more.
Aware of Esmeralda's love for Captain Phoebus, Quasimodo decides to grab the attention of the young captain.
Archer visits May in Florida, but finds his mind wondering as he talks with her.
Newland and Ellen's time together gives them the chance to catch up.
David and Dora are married.
Jurgis meets the speaker and eventually introduced to Comrade Ostrinski. Ostrinski explains the concept of socialism to Jurgis.
Mercutio confronts Romeo about his disappearance the previous night. Romeo sends a message to Juliet by way of her nurse.
he men set out in search of Rochford. They meet and Indian chief.
Pip prepares to say his farewells.
Becky's life after Rawdon is told to the reader.
Black Beauty tells of another type of driver, the steam-engine style, who's irresponsible handling of a carriage can have grave consequences for a horse. Black Beauty spends some time with the good-natured mare, Peggy, before meeting his new master.
The boys determine that their motor-boat can compete with the Varmint II. Sam keeps them grounded telling them that they can only win if they can go faster than the other boat. They try the race again and feel encouraged by the outcome. Miss Susie seems to bring bad luck, but nothing bad happens that cannot be fixed. Mr. Button’s prejudice toward her grows.