The tale kicks off with Mrs. Morel, a lady trapped in an unhappy marriage with a drinking miner. Their disagreements vary from verbal clashes to physical fights, with Mrs. Morel enduring mistreatment, including being barred from their dwelling and even struck with a drawer. In her isolation, she seeks comfort in her four offspring, notably her sons. Her eldest, William, climbs to the top of her affections, causing her immense anguish when he relocates to London for employment. His premature demise devastates her, rendering her oblivious to her other children until her second son, Paul, also falls sick.
This alarm shifts her attention entirely to Paul, intertwining their lives deeply. Paul’s feelings are stirred by Miriam Leivers, a lass dwelling on a nearby farm. Their bond is intense, yet devoid of physical closeness, extending over several years. Mrs. Morel disapproves of Miriam, potentially influencing Paul’s reluctance to commit to matrimony. His sentiments for Miriam oscillate continually. Through Miriam, Paul encounters Clara Dawes, a suffragette separated from her spouse. Clara proposes that Paul consider cementing his ties with Miriam, prompting him to reassess his sentiments for her. Paul and Miriam briefly revel in joy after engaging in physical intimacy, but Paul promptly decides he does not desire to wed her, prompting their parting.
Miriam assents reluctantly, still sensing a spiritual link to him, while Paul discerns his most profound affection lies with his mother. Subsequently, Paul’s association with Clara intensifies into a fervent liaison, complicated by her unwillingness to divorce her estranged spouse, Baxter. Meanwhile, Paul’s mother’s health deteriorates, and he dedicates his time to her aid. Her passing leaves him shattered, and despite a final plea from Miriam, he selects solitude as the narrative closes.
Chapter 1
The account unfurls in a miners’ enclave known as “The Bottoms,” where the Morels dwell. Mrs. Morel, expectant with her third child, resides here with her miner spouse and two youngsters, seven-year-old William and five-year-old Annie. The narrative takes flight three weeks after their settlement in their new abode, during a festival called wakes. William partakes in the festivity, secures two egg-holders for his mother, and spends time with his kin before opting for solitude. However, his experience dims after his mother departs. When the children retire to slumber, Mrs. Morel awaits her husband’s return from his stint at the bar. As she awaits, she ponders on her life, her undesirable gestation, and her distaste for her partner’s excessive imbibing. Her sole solace lies in her children. Following a dispute with her husband about his boozy state, she retires to bed. The narrative then delves into the backstory of the Morels, unveiling Mrs. Morel’s early days as Gertrude Coppard. Raised in indigence, she had a confidant, John Field, whom she motivated to embrace the clergy. The chronicle chronicles how Gertrude encountered Walter Morel at a Yuletide bash when she was twenty-three. They wedded the subsequent Christmas and initially relished a harmonious existence. Nevertheless, seven months into their union, Gertrude unearths overdue bills in Walter’s pocket, exposing his financial irresponsibility. This triggers a shift in their rapport, with Gertrude turning aloof and remote. She begins to focus more on her progeny. Momentous events transpire that further strain the couple’s bond. Morel trims William’s hair without consulting Gertrude, causing her profound dismay. Another wake festival sees Morel departing to Nottingham with his chum, Jerry Purdy, whom Mrs. Morel disdains. Post their tavern-hopping, Morel returns home, locks his wife out in a fit of fury, and dozes off. Mrs. Morel lingers outside for an hour before managing to rouse him.
Chapter 2
Morel repents his harsh treatment of his wife and begins exhibiting snippets of empathy. One day, Mrs. Morel summons her neighbor, Mrs. Kirk, to summon the midwife, Mrs. Bower, as she is on the brink of childbirth. She gives birth to a baby lad but endures tremendous agony during the process. Morel returns home to learn about his newborn son from Mrs. Bower. After requesting a drink and concluding supper, he visits his spouse and the infant. Mr. Heaton, a vicar, becomes a daily presence at the Morel domicile, attending to the ailing Mrs. Morel. Morel walks in during one such visit and tries to elicit sympathy by discussing his mining predicaments, a conduct that appalls his wife. Following a clash with Morel, Mrs. Morel, along with Annie and the infant, opts for a stroll near the cricket patches. In a tranquil moment, she experiences a profound connection to her newborn and instinctively desires to christen him Paul. The tranquillity is short-lived as Morel returns home inebriated one evening, dislodges a kitchen drawer in his haste to dine, and hurls it at his wife when she refuses to cater to him, inflicting an injury on her brow. Post this event, Morel confines himself to bed for a few days before venturing to his favored pub, the Palmerston, where he spends his nights. One day, he depletes his funds, and purloins from his wife’s handbag, and on getting caught, declares he’s departing. Mrs. Morel is sanguine he’d return but starts fretting when night descends sans his appearance. She eventually uncovers his bundle secreted in the coal shed and chuckles. A sulky Morel returns later and is instructed to retrieve his bundle before heading to bed.
Chapter 3
Morel falls severely ill, supposedly stemming from a prior incident where he snoozed on the earth in Nottingham. As he convalesces, he demands amplified attention from his wife, which she spurns, devoting herself more towards her offspring. During the lull after Morel’s illness, another infant, Arthur, is conceived. Arthur develops an affection for his father, gratifying Mrs. Morel. Over time, William matures, and Paul encounters spells of unexplained melancholy. A local dame, Mrs. Anthony, gripes to Mrs. Morel about William ruffling her son Alfred’s collar. This culminates in a heated altercation between Mr. and Mrs. Morel when he seeks to discipline William. Mrs. Morel gets embroiled in the Women’s Guild tied to the Cooperative Wholesale Society. At thirteen, William kickstarts toiling at the Co-op office, sparking a dispute with his father, who aspired for him to become a miner. William excels in his vocation and secures an award in a footrace, an anvil-shaped inkwell. Nonetheless, friction surfaces between William and his mother when he embraces dancing, and she repels his female comrades. At nineteen, William secures a post in Nottingham and commences diligent study. Subsequently, he clinches a position in London with a handsome wage, which he embraces with great zeal, oblivious to his mother’s sorrow. Before departing, he incinerates his amorous correspondence in a final shared moment with his mother.
Chapter 4
Paul nurtures a tight bond with his sibling Annie, frequently shadowing her. He inadvertently demolishes her cherished doll, prompting distress in both. Later, they opt to “sacrifice” the doll, immolating its remnants. Paul arrives home one evening to witness his father and elder brother embroiled in an argument.
The maternal figure acts as the sole barrier to conflict. The clan moves to a boisterous residence near an ash tree, a preference solely relished by their patriarch. As their father persists in returning home late and intoxicated, Paul grows increasingly anxious. During one absence of his father, Paul seeks companionship with Mrs. Inger, their neighbor who is without offspring. On his father’s reappearance, the family gradually isolates him, evident when Paul reluctantly reveals his victorious prize-winning moment post persuasion from his mother. Notwithstanding, moments of geniality between their father and offspring occur, particularly when he is engrossed in his duties and recounts tales. For instance, Paul falls ill with bronchitis and discovers solace in slumbering alongside his mother. Entrusted with the duty of collecting his father’s wages, Paul finds it overwhelming. Subsequently confiding his apprehensions with his mother, he finds consolation. On customary Fridays, Paul occupies himself with baking while his mother attends the market, relishing discussions about her acquisitions thereafter. Typically, their existence is gratifying, with the youngsters relishing outdoor activities and frolicking with peers from the vicinity. The eager anticipation builds as preparations for their sibling William’s Christmas visit unfold. The delay in his arrival triggers unease, yet his advent and the assortment of gifts he bestows spread delight. Despite an invitation for a voyage to the Mediterranean, William opts to return home, a decision that gratifies their mother.
Chapter 5
Morel sustains a severe leg injury owing to a rockfall at the workplace. Initially agitated, Mrs. Morel finds solace in the presence of Paul, their offspring, before journeying to the hospital to visit her spouse. Upon her return, she informs the youngsters of their father’s grave injury. Nonetheless, Morel’s reputation as a robust healer assures them. A motley mix of guilt and an emotional void overwhelms their mother, as she harbors no affection for her husband despite empathizing with his anguish. Dialogues with Paul bring about a semblance of solace. Morel’s recuperation transiently ushers in a sense of tranquility and joy to the brood while he convalesces. At the age of fourteen, Paul is nudged by his mother to seek employment. She dispatches him to the Co-op reading room daily to peruse vacancies. Though despondent, Paul diligently notes potential opportunities. Crafting applications for various positions, Paul retools a missive initially penned by his sibling William. His interview with Thomas Jordan, a manufacturer of surgical appliances, is met with elation from his mother. The maternal-son duo embarks on a trip to Nottingham for the assessment. Paul dreads the ordeal and the scrutiny it entails. During the interview, he falters in deciphering a French correspondence due to illegible handwriting, grappling with the term “doigts”. Nevertheless, he secures a role as a fledgling spiral clerk. A modest repast and shopping spree conclude the day, with Paul relishing his mother’s companionship. Seizing the new job necessitates a season train pass, prompting Paul to discuss the costs with his mother, who wishes for financial input from William. Meanwhile, William, now leading a refined life in London, courts a young lady named Louisa Lily Denys Western, nicknamed Gipsy. Sending his mother a picture of Gipsy, William’s gesture is met with disapproval as Gipsy’s attire strikes Mrs. Morel as inappropriate. In response, Gipsy furnishes a more modest photograph, but Mrs. Morel remains unimpressed. Commencing work at Jordan’s, Paul is introduced to his overseer, Pappleworth. Acclimating to drafting orders, invoices, and packaging parcels for dispatch, Paul strikes a chord with his female colleagues. Cementing camaraderie with several of them, Paul warms up to his occupation.
Chapter 6
Arthur harbors a growing disdain for his father, a sentiment reciprocated by his siblings. Arthur’s scholarship at a Nottingham school prompts his mother to arrange for his lodging with a kinsman in the vicinity, owing to the strained relations with his father. Meanwhile, Annie assumes the role of a School Board educator while Mrs. Morel’s fondness for Paul deepens. William, now betrothed, brings his intended spouse home during the festive season. However, her affectation vexes William, who confides in his mother about his lack of affection for the lady. On a leisurely Monday afternoon, Paul accompanies his mother to Mr. Leivers’ newfound farm, learning to hand-feed a chicken. Subsequently assisting the timid Miriam in the same endeavor. William’s betrothed continues to incite displeasure among him and his kin due to her haughty disposition. Wrestling with the decision to annul the engagement, William deems it too belated. One October weekend, William returns solo. Observant of his deteriorating health, his mother dashes to his side. Post-return, Mrs. Morel receives tidings of William’s ailment. She hastens to his abode in London, standing vigil until his passing. Morel then travels to the city, with the duo homeward bound the ensuing Saturday. Grieving from the aftermath of William’s demise, Mrs. Morel withdraws emotionally, only to be jolted back as Paul falls critically ill with pneumonia. However, his recovery revives her spirits as “Mrs. Morel’s life now rooted itself in Paul.”
Chapter 7
Silently admiring Paul, Miriam is apprehensive as he only acknowledges her modest facade, oblivious to her inner luminescence. She yearns to nurse him during his bouts of sickness, hoping it would kindle her affection for him. Paul relishes his visits to the Leivers’ farm, finding its spiritual ambiance refreshing compared to his mother’s pragmatic demeanor. An inconsequential dispute ensues when Miriam accidentally sings the potatoes, perplexing Paul. Their mutual enchantment with nature draws Miriam and Paul closer, although the latter initially befriends her brothers, particularly Edgar, before taking notice of her. An encounter in the cowshed signifies the gradual deepening of their bond. Miriam’s profound emotional depths unsettle Paul, yet her desire to grasp algebra from him captivates him. Leading Paul to a forest to exhibit a special shrub one day, Miriam incites his return home to run late. Displeased with both his tardiness and association with Miriam, Paul’s mother sparks a heated debate about their affiliation. Paul denies any amorous entanglement. On Good Friday, Paul organizes a communal excursion to Hemlock Stone. Miriam has an epiphany about her love for Paul when discovers him alone on the lane, repairing his umbrella. Wrestling with her sentiments during a visit to Wingfield Manor, Miriam decides to halt her visits to his residence. Breaking her resolve one evening, she calls upon him, prompting Paul to adorn her attire with flowers. Persisting in repudiating any romantic liaison, Paul asserts their bond is purely platonic. At twenty, Paul secures a modest vacation for the family. Miriam joins them, spending a night at their cottage to evade the early morning expedition. While strolling the shoreline one evening, Paul grapples with the intensity of his emotions for Miriam. His tardiness at returning to the cottage provokes reproach from his mother, causing him to feel out of sorts with Miriam.
Chapter 8
Arthur hastily enlists in the military, eliciting distress in his mother as she fails to dissuade him. Disdainful of military regulations, Arthur finds himself constrained without alternatives. Paul garners dual accolades in a student exhibition at the Castle, evoking pride in his mother, which impels her to witness his handiwork firsthand. Paul runs into Miriam and Clara Dawes, the progeny of an old comrade, during a stopover in the town. Miriam quizzes him about his thoughts on Clara, to which he admits to having slight affection, causing Miriam to mope. However, she brightens up when he extends an invitation to tea for her and Edgar, much to his mother’s chagrin, sparking a squabble. Paul finds himself torn between his mother and Miriam, developing animosity towards Miriam for causing anguish to his mother. He upsets Miriam by clarifying that their bond is strictly platonic. During a joint baking session, a visit from Miriam makes Paul feel as though they are sharing a life of domesticity. He presents her with a crafted cushion cover, echoing a curtain he crafted for his mother. Engaging in conversations about his vocation, he finds utmost contentment in Miriam’s presence. Their dialogue is interrupted by Beatrice, a close family associate who joshes with Miriam and flirts with Paul. This results in a charred loaf of bread and guilt in Paul for neglecting Miriam. Walking home, Paul stumbles upon his mother and sister, distressed over the burnt bread, prompting him to realize his profound affection for his mother. A clash erupts with his father, ceasing only when Mrs. Morel collapses and Paul becomes her caretaker.
Chapter 9
Paul discerns a greater fondness for his mother over Miriam, a sentiment mirrored by Miriam, who comprehends that their connection will not progress further. During a visit, prodded by a concerned Miriam, a cantankerous Paul suggests cutting ties. Despite agreeing to maintain a friendship, he vocalizes his discontent, suggesting he is devoid of love for her and wishes her to be available for someone else. Miriam maintains a belief that he genuinely loves her, growing irate at his compliance with his mother’s counsel. She resents his family’s intrusion in their bond and yearns for them to be left in peace. While Paul misses visiting Willey Farm, he continually returns to spend time with Edgar and his family, albeit at the expense of time with Miriam. On one evening spent alone with Miriam, a once comfortable conversation takes a turn towards awkwardness. Paul accedes to Miriam’s invitation to meet Clara Dawes, resulting in an unfavorable impression of Clara. He shares this sentiment with Edgar, even bestowing upon Clara the moniker ‘Nevermore’ due to her acerbic demeanor. During a collective walk, they encounter Miss Limb and her horse, a creature esteemed by Clara. Post the encounter, they concur on the peculiarity of Miss Limb, with Clara suggesting the lady’s yearning for a partner. As Clara strides ahead, Paul and Miriam deliberate on Clara’s disagreeable demeanor before reaching a meadow of wildflowers, engaging in a conversation about its moral implications. He accompanies his mother to Lincoln to visit the cathedral but begins fretting over her health as she struggles to ascend a hill. Expressing regret at not being the eldest son, his mother assuages his concerns, affirming that she’s only aged slightly and not seriously ailing. Annie becomes engaged to Leonard, who, following a conversation about their financial state with Mrs. Morel, persuades her to assent to an immediate wedding. Mrs. Morel also elects to have Arthur discharged from the military, much to his delight, as he embarks on a relationship with Beatrice Wyld. Finally, Paul pens a missive to Miriam endeavoring to elucidate the breakdown of their love, marking the conclusion of his initial romantic phase.
Chapter 10
Paul’s artistic endeavors earn him the top honor in a Nottingham Castle exhibition and fetch him twenty guineas from Major Moreton. Celebrating with his mother, Paul proposes utilizing the prize money to secure his brother Arthur’s discharge from the military. With his surge in prominence, Paul commences attending soirées and discusses his societal standing with his mother. While she yearns for him to assimilate with the middle class, Paul strongly identifies with commoners. His unresolved association with Miriam encumbers him, as he feels bound to her yet simultaneously distances himself. Meanwhile, Arthur’s cantankerous demeanor mellows post his nuptials to Beatrice and the birth of their offspring, aligning himself with the roles of a spouse and father. On delivering a dispatch to Clara Dawes, Paul is struck by her modesty, shattering his preconceived notions of her grandiosity. Perturbed by a colleague at Jordan’s intention to resign owing to impending matrimony, Paul secures Clara’s placement in the vacated position, much to the vexation of her co-workers. Following an impolite exchange with Clara, Paul endeavors to make amends with a box of chocolates. Fanny gifts Paul paints for his birthday, a gesture from all save Clara, unintentionally excluded from the arrangement. This exclusion prompts Clara to feel marginalized from the group’s secret, leading Paul to clarify that the gift was a covert birthday surprise. In return, Clara presents him with a book of poetry, bridging the gap between them. Discussions concerning Clara’s estranged spouse segue into deliberations on Miriam. Paul discloses Miriam’s desire for his soul, a commitment he cannot pledge. Nonetheless, Clara rectifies him, asserting that Miriam solely desires his essence.
Chapter 11
Internalizing Clara’s counsel, Paul resolves to mend ties with Miriam. Reflecting on whether their discord stems from the absence of physical intimacy in their relationship, he realizes he harbors no aversion towards her; rather, he intuits that his attraction to her was stifled by bashfulness and naivety. Gradually, he dedicates more time to Miriam, perturbing his mother. On an occasion, he broaches the topic of wedlock with her, questioning if their stringent adherence to chastity has been unwavering. Professing his love, acknowledging his obstinacy, he bestows a kiss upon her. En route home, he proposes an arrangement for them to share a bed (indirectly), to which she accedes, albeit not immediately. Miriam perceives her acquiescence to Paul as a sacrifice, one she is willing to make. He begins to perceive their bond as an affair of the heart. In the woods one evening, “she surrenders herself to him,” although she maintains a sense of detachment and repulsion. Retreating to her grandmother’s abode, Miriam becomes a frequent visitor for Paul. An entire day spent in her company, replete with a meal and a sense of cohabitation, marks a holiday for Paul. Following dinner, they venture outdoors for a promenade, which culminates in intimacy upon returning. Paul grapples with a sense of exploiting Miriam, who consents due to her profound love for him. Subsequently, he questions her regarding her apparent reservation towards him in the ensuing week. She articulates that their lack of wedlock renders their bond illegitimate in her eyes. He proffers matrimony, yet she deems themselves too young. Paul begins to sense a tinge of defeat, distancing himself from Miriam and augmenting time spent with his male companions, rekindling his relationship with Clara. Paul confides in his mother his intent to sever ties with Miriam, espousing a lack of love for her and a dearth of desire for marriage. Empowered by his mother’s advice, he confronts Miriam about his decision to terminate their relationship. Her response is one of desolation, likening him to a petulant child and asserting that she had foreseen the demise of their union. Angered, Paul perceives her actions as duplicitous, fostering resentment as they part ways.
Chapter 12
Reconnecting with his mother, Paul embarks on a sojourn to the Isle of Wight. Mrs. Morel faints from overexertion; although she recuperates, Paul frets over her well-being. He rekindles his bond with Miriam, engaging in Clara is informed about Paul’s separation from Miriam. A deep connection forms between Paul and Clara during a stroll, leading Paul to eagerly anticipate their future meetings. Their next excursion involves a countryside hike near a stream where a washed-out trail takes them to a secluded riverside glade. At this spot, Clara playfully distracts Paul while he cleans her footwear. Eventually, they enjoy tea with an elderly woman who gifts Clara flowers. Paul reveals his relationship with Clara to his mother, despite her marital status. He proposes inviting Clara for tea, to which his mother agrees. Paul continues to meet Miriam, and they converse about Clara’s marital status. Miriam tries to draw comparisons between Clara’s marriage and Mrs. Morel’s, but Paul disagrees, pointing out his mother’s intense love for his father, something Clara doesn’t share with her spouse. He shares Clara’s upcoming tea visit with Miriam, indicating his sincere affection for Clara. Clara’s visit goes smoothly, with her bonding well with Paul’s parents. An unexpected visit from Miriam while Paul and Clara are in the garden makes her feel like an intruder in their close bond. Mrs. Morel is disturbed by Miriam’s presence, but they all attend chapel together. Later, Clara questions Paul about his bond with Miriam, leading to an intense kiss from Paul. They spend time in the fields until Clara rushes to catch her train. A theatre outing for Paul and Clara culminates in a missed train and an invitation to Clara’s residence. Their stylish attire is mocked by Clara’s mother, Mrs. Radford, who stays awake as Paul and Clara engage in cribbage. Paul’s desire for Clara keeps him awake, although she declines his offer to share his bed. The next day, Paul is pleasantly surprised to find Mrs. Radford fond of him. He invites her and Clara for a seaside trip and is further taken aback when she accepts.
Chapter 13
Paul encounters Baxter Dawes, Clara’s estranged spouse, in a tavern, leading to a heated confrontation. Dawes taunts Paul about his involvement with a ‘tart,’ provoking Paul to retaliate by flinging a beer glass. Despite the ensuing chaos, Dawes is ejected from the establishment. Paul’s companions suggest that he should learn boxing for self-protection against Dawes. He recounts the incident to Clara, who unsurprisingly describes Baxter as a scoundrel. She advises Paul to arm himself for safety, a suggestion he dismisses. Later at work, Dawes confronts Paul again, culminating in a physical altercation that causes their boss, Thomas Jordan, to fall down some stairs. Although unharmed, Jordan dismisses Dawes. Paul reflects on his struggles with love in a discussion with his mother, who believes he has yet to find the right partner. He thinks he won’t discover such a person while his mother is alive. Planning his future with Clara, Paul intends to travel abroad before returning to be with his mother. Clara, hesitant to divorce Baxter, cannot fully commit to Paul. They both acknowledge the temporary nature of their relationship. While out with Clara, they chance upon Baxter, only recognizing him after they have passed by. Later, Paul encounters Dawes alone, leading to a brawl that leaves Paul injured. Upon regaining consciousness from his injuries, he is cared for by his mother and shows indifference towards Clara and Miriam, who visit him. After recuperating, Paul goes on a vacation with his comrade Newton, planning to reunite with his mother in Sheffield at his sister Annie’s residence. Upon arrival, he learns of his mother’s ailment — a tumor. He arranges for a physician from Nottingham to examine her. After a two-month stay in Sheffield, they hire a motor car to transport her home, bringing her immense comfort.
Chapter 14
Dr. Ansell informs Paul that Baxter Dawes is unwell in a Sheffield hospital, prompting Paul to visit him. Paul offers Dawes a place to recuperate in Seathorpe. After disclosing his visit to Dawes to Clara, she is overwhelmed with guilt for mistreating her husband and makes efforts to reconcile, although it’s initially challenging. Paul makes numerous visits to Dawes, leading to a budding friendship. Paul’s focus shifts from Clara due to his mother’s deteriorating health. When Clara reminds him of her birthday, he takes her to the seashore but primarily discusses his mother’s pain. During his next visit to Dawes, he mentions his outing with Clara, their first shared dialogue about her. He also reveals his intentions to travel abroad once his mother passes away. Despite the passage of time, Mrs. Morel’s condition remains unchanged. After receiving a letter from Miriam, Paul visits her, and although she tries to console him with a kiss, he rebuffs her. Paul and his sister Annie take turns caring for their mother, feeling the weight of the burden. Paul decides to end their anguish by administering a lethal dose of morphia in his mother’s milk. She passes away the next morning. Dawes, now in the convalescent home suggested by Paul, receives another visit. Paul encourages him to rebuild his life by winning back Clara. The next day, Paul and Clara assist Dawes in settling into his new abode before leaving them alone.
Chapter 15
Following Clara’s return to Sheffield with her husband, Paul and his father reside in separate lodgings nearby. The demise of his mother leaves Paul disoriented and unable to pursue his painting. He immerses himself in factory work to cope, grappling with internal dilemmas about living for his mother’s memory while contemplating surrender. Unexpectedly, he encounters Miriam at the Unitarian Church one Sunday evening. They share a meal, during which she discloses her aspirations to become a teacher at an agricultural college. She proposes marriage, but Paul expresses his hesitance, citing his lack of inclination. This marks the end of their chapter, and Miriam departs, acknowledging that his essence will always be with her. Paul wrestles with thoughts of joining his mother in death but ultimately rejects the notion of suicide. Instead, he steels himself to continue his journey through town, opting for perseverance.
