Miss Mole · Chapter
Chapter XX explained
Hannah Mole advises Ethel Corder on her relationship with Mr.
What happens
Hannah Mole advises Ethel Corder on her relationship with Mr. Pilgrim, cautioning her to wait for him to speak again. Later, Hannah has a tense conversation with Robert Corder, who is disturbed by rumors and Mr. Blenkinsop's behavior. Hannah reflects on her own precarious position and the threat Mr. Pilgrim poses to her past secrets. The chapter ends with Ethel excited about Mr. Pilgrim's visit to the Girls' Club, and Hannah subtly discourages her from inviting him to tea.
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
- Closing
This excerpt marks the story's dramatic climax because Ruth’s secret excursion with Wilfrid represents the pea…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Truth, Deception, and Moral Ambiguity
Hannah navigates deception in her conversation with Robert Corder, hiding her true thoughts and past while maintaining a facade of innocence.
- Loneliness and the Search for Connection
Hannah reflects on her fragile happiness and the loneliness of her position, while Ethel expresses a longing for maternal guidance.
- Power and Control in Domestic Life
Hannah subtly manipulates Ethel's decisions and manages Robert Corder's suspicions, illustrating the dynamics of power within the household.
Characters to notice
- Miss Hannah Mole
Hannah advises Ethel, confronts Robert Corder, and reflects on her past and the danger Mr. Pilgrim represents.
- Ethel Corder
Ethel seeks Hannah's advice about Mr. Pilgrim and is excited about his visit to the Girls' Club.
- Robert Corder
Robert Corder confronts Hannah about Mr. Blenkinsop and hints at disturbing rumors he has heard.
- Ruth
Ruth shows concern for Hannah's tiredness and mentions Wilfrid's kindness after the concert.
- Mr. Pilgrim
Mr. Pilgrim is the obvious danger to Hannah; he visits the Girls' Club and shows interest in Ethel.
- Doris
Doris returns from visiting her young man's mother, happy and proud.
Key passages
“you mustn’t take my advice. You must do as you think best.”
Hannah tells Ethel not to rely on her advice but to make her own decision.
Hannah uses this to ease her conscience after subtly discouraging Ethel from inviting Mr. Pilgrim to tea.
“I did hear something tonight which disturbed me a little”
Robert Corder admits to Hannah that he heard something troubling about her.
This creates tension and foreshadows the threat Mr. Pilgrim poses to Hannah's secrets.
“The obvious danger was Mr. Pilgrim. He was not the only person who knew Hannah Mole outside her professional capacity”
Hannah realizes Mr. Pilgrim is the most immediate threat, but there may be others who know her past.
Highlights Hannah's anxiety and the precariousness of her position in the household.
