Some Do Not … · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for Some Do Not … by Ford Madox Ford.
Each chapter has a companion in the reader — open a free preview to see notes beside the text.
Chapter 1
I
The chapter introduces Christopher Tietjens, a Yorkshire gentleman and statistician, and his close friend Vincent Macmaster. It explores their backgrounds, Tietjens' marriage to Sylvia who has left him, and their conversation on a train journey. Tietjens discusses his views on marriage, morality, class, and the inevitability of war, while Macmaster anticipates the success of his first book.
Chapter 2
Mrs. Satterthwaite at Lobscheid
Mrs. Satterthwaite, her French maid, Father Consett, and the disreputable Mr. Bayliss are holidaying at Lobscheid in the Taunus. The party plays bridge, and Father Consett prepares to say mass. Sylvia Tietjens arrives and discusses her strained marriage with Christopher Tietjens, revealing her contempt for his formal, truthful nature. She plans to send a terse telegram. Mrs. Satterthwaite and Father Consett later discuss Sylvia's past, including the paternity of her child, and the priest laments the bitterness of Christopher's lot.
Chapter 3
Chapter III
Macmaster reflects on the disastrous day, beginning with Sylvia's letter to Tietjens and ending with General Campion's misplaced praise of Sylvia. He resolves to urge Tietjens to divorce her. At Rye, Tietjens shows Macmaster Sylvia's letter, then later at the golf club, Tietjens reveals he has sent a telegram agreeing to Sylvia's terms. Macmaster is horrified to learn that Tietjens intends to confront a Liberal Cabinet Minister, Mr. Waterhouse, about a faked return at the office, adding to Macmaster's distress.
Chapter 4
Chapter IV
Tietjens spends the evening with Mr. Waterhouse, who sends friendly messages to Miss Wannop and refuses to believe Tietjens didn't arrange the suffragette raid. Later, Tietjens struggles with agitation over his marriage to Sylvia, using patience cards to calm his mind. Macmaster's sudden entrance shocks him physically. The next day, Tietjens deals with Sandbach's accusations and General Campion's comments, reflecting on social betrayals, his child's welfare, and the hypocrisy of society. He and Waterhouse discuss politics and agree on High Tory and Radical ideals.
Chapter 5
Chapter V
At the Duchemins' breakfast, Tietjens grapples with his first impressions of Valentine Wannop, reassessing her as a potential mistress under the pressure of club gossip. Mrs. Wannop arrives unexpectedly, recognizes Tietjens as the son of her old benefactor, and lavishes him with attention, while Macmaster and Mrs. Duchemin share a passionate, secret moment, revealing her humble origins.
Free preview
8 more chapter companions sit beside the text in BetterReads — open a free preview to unlock the rest.
8 more companions → free preview