The Cloven Foot · Theme
Bohemianism vs. Respectability
How The Cloven Foot develops Bohemianism vs. Respectability.
John Treverton's past life as a Parisian artist and 'Jack Chicot' contrasts sharply with his later role as a country squire, highlighting the conflict between artistic freedom and the demands of respectable society.
Where it surfaces
- La Chicot
The Chicots' extravagant, pleasure-seeking life contrasts sharply with the respectable, orderly habits of Mrs. Rawber, highlighting the tension between bohemian and conventional values.
- La Chicot Has Her Own Way
Jack's life as a draughtsman and his wife's career as a ballet dancer contrast with his longing for respectability and a life free from scandal.
- Days That Are Over, Dreams That Are Done
La Chicot's life as a dancer and the bohemian world of the theatre are contrasted with the domestic ideal.
- XIV: “You Have but to Say the Word”
La Chicot's reckless, bohemian lifestyle contrasts with the offers of a respectable house in Mayfair from Lemuel.
- Edward Clare Discovers a Likeness
The contrast between Laura's secluded, respectable life at Hazlehurst and Chicot's Bohemian existence in London is emphasized.
- XVII: Murder
The lodging house inhabitants include a tragic actress and a woman of questionable habits, contrasting with the respectable horror of murder.
- The Children's Party
Edward describes the suspicious man as a 'London Bohemian' and a swindler, contrasting the respectable setting of the children's party with the disreputable underworld of London.
- XXVII: Desrolles Is Not Communicative
Desrolles is transformed by money from a shabby pauper into a confident Bohemian, contrasting with Edward Clare's settled, respectable life. The tension between artistic freedom and social propriety is evident.
- George Gerard
Gerard's hard, ambitious, and solitary professional life as a doctor in London stands in contrast to the comfortable, domestic respectability of the Clare household.
- XXXI: Why Don’t You Trust Me?
John's past life as a Bohemian artist in Paris contrasts sharply with his current life as a respectable country gentleman.
- At the Morgue
John's internal conflict between his former Bohemian life as Jack Chicot and his current respectable identity as master of Hazlehurst Manor.
- XLV: The Hunt for Desrolles
Desrolles' return to his old, disreputable Parisian haunts and his embrace of a dissolute lifestyle contrast sharply with the respectability he briefly sought.
- Epilogue
John Treverton's past Bohemian existence under an assumed name is discussed as a scandal that eventually fades, and Edward Clare's departure for a practical life contrasts with his former poetic idleness.
