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Book 5, Chapter 4
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
Guy Fawkes day arrives again, so Charley builds the Vyes a bonfire, hoping to cheer up Eustacia. Captain Vye thinks that this is a good idea, although it doesn’t work as intended. Eustacia does not feel up to doing anything and worries that Wildeve will think she is signaling him. Indeed, Wildeve shows up and converses with Eustacia. Wildeve appears sympathetic to Eustacia’s situation, and he offers to help her in any way he can. Although Eustacia doesn’t want to ask too much of Wildeve, she does ask him if he can help her get to Budmouth. From there, she hopes to sail to Paris. Wildeve promises that he will help Eustacia get to Budmouth.
At this point, an entire year has passed since the start of the novel. This time, the bonfire, which previously gave Eustacia hope, is now a symbol of fear. Eustacia doesn’t want Wildeve to come to her, for fear that his presence will make matters worse. However, Wildeve ultimately proves himself useful, and Eustacia once again has some hope that she can escape Egdon.
Themes
