Harry Heathcote of Gangoil · Chapter
VII: “I Wish You’d Like Me” explained
Harry Heathcote, exhausted from a night of riding, sleeps on the veranda while his wife and sister-in-law watch over him.
What happens
Harry Heathcote, exhausted from a night of riding, sleeps on the veranda while his wife and sister-in-law watch over him. He discusses his fears of fire and his suspicion of Bill Nokes, criticizing Medlicot for supporting him. Old Bates visits, and later the Medlicots propose a Christmas dinner at their mill, but Harry insists they come to Gangoil instead. During a walk, Medlicot confesses his feelings to Kate Daly, who is flustered and lies awake thinking of his words.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
In this excerpt, Harry reaches his emotional and psychological nadir as he stands "almost in despair" after ex…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Survival and Hardship
Harry's exhaustion from night riding and his constant fear of fire highlight the relentless physical and mental toll of bush life.
- Family and Loyalty
The Heathcote family's care for Harry and Kate's devotion to her sister and brother-in-law underscore the importance of familial bonds in the bush.
- Colonial Identity and Alienation
Medlicot and Kate discuss 'home' (England) versus life in Australia, reflecting the colonial experience of displacement and adaptation.
Characters to notice
- Harry Heathcote
Exhausted from night riding, sleeps on veranda; discusses fears of fire and suspicion of Nokes; arranges Christmas dinner at Gangoil.
- Kate Daly
Watches over Harry with her sister; walks with Medlicot, who confesses he wishes she would like him; lies awake thinking of his words.
- Mrs. Heathcote
Sits with Harry, protecting him from flies; supports the Christmas dinner invitation to Medlicots.
- Giles Medlicot
Visits Gangoil with his mother; walks with Kate and confesses his feelings; agrees to Christmas dinner at Gangoil.
- Old Bates
Visits Harry, discusses fires and the Brownbie lads; enjoys his Sunday brandy-and-water.
- Bill Nokes
Mentioned as suspected arsonist; Harry criticizes Medlicot for supporting him.
Key passages
“I wish you’d like me”
Medlicot confesses his romantic interest in Kate Daly.
This pivotal line marks the beginning of their romantic tension.
“What the glass of brandy-and-water was to Mickey O’Dowd after a fortnight’s solitude in a bush hut, with tea, dampers, and lumps of mutton, a young man in the guise of a gentleman was to poor Kate Daly.”
Just as a drink is a rare treat for a lonely bushman, a gentleman like Medlicot is an exciting novelty for Kate.
The narrator compares Kate's longing for romance to a bushman's craving for alcohol.
