The Readers Review: Literature from 1714 to 1910 discussion

Chapter 6 is called "Summary of Events during the Master's Second Absence".
Henry begins ill after the night of the duel and as he slowly recovers it is apparent at times that his mind has been affected by the turmoil and excitement of the night.
Life goes on peaceably as the family are more united than they've been before. The old Lord fades away and dies.
A son is born to Henry-named Alexander. The boy becomes the apple of his eye and he showers the boy with love and affection, and spends so much time with him that he neglects his wife and daughter.
Mackellar becomes closer to Alison as Henry neglects her.
Mackellar finally bluntly tells Henry that he is treating Alexander the way the lord treated his brother. Does he want his son to become a second Master in behaviour and character?

What are some of the changes you've noticed in the various characters? Any surprises?

Chapter 5 is called "Adventure of Chevalier Burke in India".
In this brief chapter we see the down-at-luck Burke recognizing the Master, but the Master pretends to be someone local who doesn't speak English.
The major event in the chapter is the introduction of a character called Secundra Dass.

Chapter 6 is called "The Enemy in the House" and we all know that the enemy is the Master.

How does Henry deal with him?
What finally causes the drastic action at the end of the chapter?

A quote from Mackellar to the Master: "This is an ill-omened journey."
Where are they going and why is Mackellar going along with the Master and Dass?

The Master chapter 6.

Here we read about the demise of the old master, he makes a Will and makes Mackeller his executer. Mackeller states to us that in his opinion the old master is of sound mind. Why did he tell us that? Do you think there will contains something that may be challenged later or even affect succession?

Henry seems to be paying too much attention to his newly arrived son at the expense of his wife and daughter. Mackeller warns his master that all this attention may make his son turn out like his brother, that was brave of him, both Henry and his wife took umbrage initially, but they’ve seen the sense in it and forgiven him. I really admire this man Mackeller, which is more than I can say for the majority of the other characters in the novel thus far.

I agree. I find Mackellar to be the most sympathetic character.

The Master is like a zombie - he just won't die!

Robin P wrote: "The Master is like a zombie - he just won't die!"

🤣

And like a zombie, he is seeking to destroy those around him.

And his brother is descending to his level.

Abigail wrote: "And his brother is descending to his level."

And that is a real shame!