Middlemarch

Mr. Dagley’s Drunken Hostility

Mr. Dagley himself is present in the yard in his best coat and milking-hat, pitchfork in hand. He has returned from market having indulged in the rare treat of dinner at the Blue Bull, fueled by muddy political talk, and stands flushed with a quarrelsome stare, primed by drink and the conservative conviction that whatever is, is bad, and any change is likely to be worse, as his landlord approaches.

CHAPITRE XXXIX.

The chapter opens with Mr. Brooke visiting his tenant Dagley to address Dagley’s son Jacob being caught killing a leveret; Brooke intends to have Jacob locked in a stable for a short period as a mild punishment, and asks Dagley to reprimand the boy.

Mr. Brooke’s Confrontation with Dagley

Mr. Brooke approaches Dagley in a friendly tone to discuss Jacob’s misdeed, but Dagley responds with loud, snarling irony. Brooke assumes Dagley is intoxicated from market-day drinking, and decides he will also share his intended disciplinary plan with Dagley’s wife to ensure it is followed.

Dagley’s Outburst over Jacob

When Brooke explains Jacob was briefly locked in a stable and asks Dagley to reprimand rather than beat the boy, Dagley furiously refuses, declaring he will never punish his son to satisfy a landlord, even if there were twenty in Brooke’s place. As Brooke turns to speak to Dagley’s wife, Dagley follows him, determined to air his grievances further.

Threats of the Reform

Dagley cuts off his wife’s request to hear what Jacob did to launch a bitter rant, noting his family has worked Brooke’s land for generations and cannot afford the top-dressing needed to maintain the soil. He references an upcoming “Riform” (Reform) that will punish negligent landlords, warns Brooke to leave Jacob alone, and threatens that Brooke will face severe consequences from the movement soon.

Mr. Brooke’s Hasty Retreat

Brooke dismisses Dagley as drunk and attempts to leave, but Dagley blocks his path, with his dog Fag growling and nearby laborers pausing to watch the confrontation. Brooke chooses to stay passive to avoid a humiliating chase, and when Dagley jabs his fork into the ground while finishing his tirade, Monk barks loudly, giving Brooke the chance to quickly flee the yard. Brooke is shocked to be insulted on his own property, as he had long believed his tenants viewed him as a kind, popular landlord.

The Ignorance of Mr. Dagley

The narrative notes some readers may be surprised by Dagley’s ignorant, bitter outlook, but explains that hereditary tenant farmers of his class were often poorly educated, even with access to local clergy, an intellectually engaged landlord, and the nearby town of Middlemarch. It contrasts Dagley’s very limited literacy (he struggles to read Bible verses) with the assumed education of urban elites, noting the only knowledge he holds firmly is the hardships of farming at his plot, Freeman’s End—a name that sarcastically implies he is free to leave but has no better livelihood available.

CHAPITRE XL.

This chapter centers on the Garth household in Middlemarch, opening with a prefatory verse celebrating diligent labor. The narrative shifts to Caleb Garth’s breakfast table, where the family gathers amid morning correspondence. Mary Garth contemplates taking a teaching position, while Caleb receives an unexpected letter from Sir James Chettam offering him management of the Freshitt and Tipton estates, restoring his former agency. The chapter concludes with an evening visit from Mr. Farebrother, who intercedes on behalf of Fred Vincy regarding an unpaid debt, finding the family in a mood of quiet celebration over Caleb’s renewed employment.

The Garth Family at Breakfast

The Garth family convenes for breakfast in the parlor where Caleb keeps his maps and desk: father, mother, and five children. Mary remains at home awaiting a situation, while Christy pursues cheap learning in Scotland, much to his father’s disappointment at his rejection of business. Caleb absorbs himself in nine costly letters, swaying his head in silent debate, while the children chatter unrestrainedly. Mary sews a handkerchief for Rosamond Vincy’s upcoming wedding, fending off Ben’s playful attempts to make her mold bread-crumb figures and Letty’s earnest curiosity about why Rosamond cannot marry without this particular piece of needlework.