The Old Wives’ Tale · Chapter
IV: End of Sophia explained
The chapter depicts the final days of Sophia Baines (Mrs.
What happens
The chapter depicts the final days of Sophia Baines (Mrs. Scales) and the aftermath of her death. Constance reflects on Sophia's life, her elopement with Gerald Scales, and the inevitable suffering that followed. Sophia dies suddenly, and Constance, along with her son Cyril, makes funeral arrangements. The chapter also explores the strained relationship between the sisters, the difficulties with their servant, and the unchanging nature of the house in the Square.
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
In this excerpt, Sophia reaches an emotional and psychological low point of apathy and entrapment, loathing he…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Passage of Time and Aging
Sophia's sudden aging and death highlight the irreversible effects of time; Constance reflects on the past.
- Fate and the Irreversibility of Choices
Constance sees Sophia's suffering as the inevitable consequence of her elopement with Gerald Scales.
- Change and Modernity
Bursley's growing sophistication contrasts with the unchanging house and the sisters' struggles with modern servants.
Characters to notice
- Sophia Baines
Dies in the chapter; her life and choices are reflected upon by Constance.
- Constance Baines
Grieves for Sophia and reflects on her sister's life and their shared past.
- Gerald Scales
His death is confirmed via a letter from Mr. Till Boldero.
- Cyril Povey
Returns to Bursley to help with funeral arrangements and shows unexpected competence.
- Fossette
The sick dog that Sophia cares for; her senility is noted.
- Mr. Critchlow
Calls after Sophia's death; is not allowed to see Constance.
Key passages
“Sophia had sinned. It was therefore inevitable that she should suffer.”
Constance believes Sophia's suffering is a direct punishment for her past sins.
Reflects Constance's moral worldview and the theme of divine justice.
“She was like something used, exhausted, and thrown aside!”
Sophia appears worn out and discarded in death.
Highlights the physical toll of aging and the finality of death.
“God is not mocked!”
Constance feels that divine justice has been served.
Echoes Samuel Povey's earlier sentiment, reinforcing the theme of moral retribution.
