The History of Mr. Polly · Character

Rumbold

A draper and Mr. Polly's early employer.

minor

Also known as Mr. Rumbold, Old Rumbold, old Rumbold

First appearance: i beginnings and the bazaar

Rumbold's tie to Mr. Polly is one of the pressures that moves The History of Mr. Polly—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.

The china dealer next door; his habit of unpacking crates with his back to Mr.

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Rumbold first appears in 0000 i beginnings and the bazaar.

With Mr. Polly (professional): Rumbold is Mr. Polly's employer at the draper's shop, representing the oppressive working conditions Mr. Polly resents. With Mr. Polly (professional): Rumbold is Mr. Polly's employer at the draper's shop, representing the oppressive working conditions Mr. Polly resents. With Mr. Polly (professional): Rumbold is Mr. Polly's employer at the draper's shop, representing the oppressive working conditions Mr. Polly resents.

See Rumbold in IV Book page

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Character Web

11 connections

A slice of how Rumbold sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Professional
Other

Character groups

Early Life Acquaintances
Protagonist
Potwell Inn Patrons

+6 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

Mr. Polly reaches his emotional and psychological peak here by embracing suicide as a liberating act, experien…

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Relationships

Mr. Polly
professional · negative
Mr. Polly
professional · negative
Mr. Polly
professional · negative

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Rumbold in i beginnings and the bazaar

In the story

Rumbold appears across 6 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

IV
The china dealer next door; his habit of unpacking crates with his back to Mr. Polly sparks a confrontation and a fifteen-year feud.
VIII: Making an End to Things
Fellow tradesman who praises Mr. Polly's bravery and discusses insurance.
II
Mentioned as the neighbor whose deaf mother-in-law is upstairs, prompting Mr. Polly to bang on his door.
III
His house is on fire; he is away on a walk to Downford.
IV
Mr. Rumbold is mentioned as the quiet owner of the building, later seen in tears.
V
A fellow tradesman who thanks Mr. Polly profusely and suggests he deserves a medal.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Rumbold unlock in the free preview.

See Rumbold in i beginnings and the bazaar

See Rumbold in IV