The Great Roxhythe · Chapter
VI: The Decision explained
Christopher Dart, having decided to leave England for Holland, visits Lady Frances Montgomery to bid her farewell.
What happens
Christopher Dart, having decided to leave England for Holland, visits Lady Frances Montgomery to bid her farewell. He confesses his deep emotional turmoil over his broken trust and love for Lord Roxhythe, expressing his need to escape the constant reminders of him. Lady Frances offers comfort and friendship, and they part with a promise to write.
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 Falling action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because Christopher experiences a profound emotional and psychological…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Love and Obsession
Christopher's intense, unrequited love for Roxhythe dominates his thoughts and drives his decision to leave England, illustrating the theme of obsessive love.
- Friendship and Mentorship
The tender farewell between Christopher and Lady Frances highlights the importance of friendship as a source of solace and support.
Characters to notice
- Lord Roxhythe
Christopher's former master and beloved, whose betrayal has driven Christopher to leave England.
- Lady Frances Montgomery
Christopher's confidante and friend, who listens to his sorrow and offers comfort before his departure.
- Roderick Dart
Christopher's brother, to whom he writes about his coming to the Hague, though Christopher admits he never cared for him greatly.
Key passages
“I should be acting falsely to all that I hold most sacred if I gave way to my longing to be with him.”
Christopher believes that returning to Roxhythe would betray his own principles.
Christopher explains to Lady Frances why he cannot go back to Roxhythe.
“It is tearing my heart out of my body.”
Leaving Roxhythe feels like a violent, painful separation.
Christopher describes the emotional agony of his departure.
