The Return of the Native: Book 4, Chapter 3 Summary & Analysis

Clym and Eustacia’s relationship takes a turn for the worse. Though Clym tries to comfort his wife, Eustacia cannot bear what has become of their future. Clym questions Eustacia about whether she ever loved him. He thinks it likely that she was more interested in what he could do for her than anything else. Eustacia refuses to answer Clym’s questions directly, and Clym departs. Eustacia, now alone, says aloud, “Two wasted lives—his and mine. And I am come to this! Will it drive me out of my mind?”

Wanting to feel better, Eustacia decides to go to a party that the wife of a cattle-dealer invited her to. When Eustacia arrives at the party, she finds that the cattle-dealer’s wife is not present and that she doesn’t know anyone else. Eustacia walks around on her own for a while and eventually spots Wildeve. Wildeve asks Eustacia to dance, and she accepts. Although nothing inappropriate happens, it is clear that both parties still have feelings for each another.

After the party, Wildeve and Eustacia walk home together. Eustacia learns that Thomasin is going to have a baby, while Wildeve learns of Clym’s blindness. On their way home, Wildeve and Eustacia spot Venn coming down the path. Not wanting to attract undue attention, Wildeve decides to go off in a different direction. Although Venn cannot recognize Wildeve, he does notice a figure depart from Eustacia’s side. When he meets Eustacia on the road, he assumes that the figure must have been Wildeve. Venn is worried about Thomasin and goes to Wildeve’s house. Wildeve isn’t not home, but Thomasin is, so Venn asks her questions about her husband. However, he doesn’t learn much and ultimately departs. Wildeve returns home later on and becomes worried after Thomasin tells him that Venn stopped by and asked about him.