“Riceyman Steps” is a novel written by Arnold Bennett, first published in 1923. Set in the post-World War I era, the story unfolds in the Clerkenwell district of London, primarily revolving around the lives of the inhabitants of Riceyman Steps, a series of steps linking King’s Cross Road to Riceyman Square. The novel delves deeply into the lives of its characters, exposing their inner struggles, desires, and the mundane yet profound aspects of their daily existence. The central character is Henry Earlforward, a miserly bookseller whose life takes a turn with the arrival of a widow, Mrs. Arb. The novel is a masterful exploration of human behavior, capturing the essence of life’s complexities and the passage of time.
Comprehensive Plot Summary
On an autumn afternoon in 1919, a hatless man with a slight limp ascended the gentle, broad steps of Riceyman Steps in Clerkenwell, London. This man, Henry Earlforward, was a bookseller, somewhat more than slim but less than stout, his hair turning from black to grey. Dressed neatly in a dark-grey suit, he gave an appearance of quiet prosperity. His small, brown eyes peered at the confectioner’s shop below, his thoughts pleasantly holding the image of its proprietor, a widow named Violet Arb. Earlforward dreamed of sharing with her his vision of the once idyllic Clerkenwell, now a bustling industrial district.
Henry Earlforward owned a second-hand bookshop at the base of Riceyman Steps. A man of strict routine and solitary habits, his life was bound by his shop and his miserly ways. Earlforward’s only regular companion was Elsie, his charwoman, a conscientious young widow who had lost her husband to dysentery during the war. She worked diligently for Earlforward, her life a series of repetitive tasks devoid of personal joy but filled with an innate desire to serve.
Across the street, Violet Arb, recently widowed, had inherited the confectioner’s shop from a distant relative. Her late husband, a clerk of works, had left her a comfortable sum but no fixed home. Moving to Clerkenwell was an attempt to bring structure to her life, but she found the neighborhood drab and uninspiring. Despite her lively demeanor, Violet was plagued by doubts about her ability to manage the business.
One day, Dr. Raste, a potential customer, entered Earlforward’s shop inquiring about a Shakespeare edition. Their conversation revealed Dr. Raste’s concern for his shell-shocked assistant, Joe, who had taken an interest in Elsie. Earlforward, though outwardly calm, was internally agitated at the thought of losing Elsie, whose presence represented stability in his meticulously ordered life.
As the days passed, Henry Earlforward found himself increasingly drawn to Violet Arb. He admired her vitality and competence, contrasting sharply with his own life of frugality and solitude. Their interactions, though initially formal, began to reveal a mutual attraction. Earlforward’s miserly nature, however, posed a significant barrier. He hoarded money and lived frugally, driven by a deep-seated fear of poverty ingrained by his father’s influence.
Violet’s practical approach to life often clashed with Earlforward’s obsessive need to save money. Despite their growing affection, this difference became a source of tension as they contemplated marriage. Violet’s more expansive view of life and Earlforward’s rigid frugality seemed irreconcilable.
Elsie’s life intertwined with theirs in unexpected ways. She had formed a tender yet complicated relationship with Joe, Dr. Raste’s assistant. Joe, traumatized by the war, found solace in Elsie’s steadfast presence. Elsie, torn between her loyalty to Earlforward and her love for Joe, struggled to balance her responsibilities and her desires.
Earlforward’s health began to deteriorate, likely exacerbated by his frugal habits and the cold, damp conditions in his shop and living quarters. Violet, now his wife, cared for him with dedication, but her efforts were often thwarted by Earlforward’s refusal to spend money on proper medical care. His paranoia and irrationality grew, clinging to his money even as his life ebbed away.
In the final months, Earlforward became increasingly irrational, his health rapidly declining. Violet, faced with the dual burden of managing a failing business and caring for her dying husband, found her resilience tested to the limit. The strain of Earlforward’s miserliness and the demands of running the shop took a heavy toll on her.
As Earlforward lay on his deathbed, the extent of his obsessive frugality became painfully clear. He had hoarded money at the expense of his health and relationships, leaving Violet to grapple with the aftermath. Despite her tireless care, Earlforward succumbed to his illness, leaving Violet to pick up the pieces.
The impact of Earlforward’s death rippled through the lives of those around him. Violet faced the daunting task of rebuilding her life and the business amidst her grief. Elsie, too, found herself at a crossroads, her future with Joe uncertain. The novel’s closing scenes reflect on the consequences of Earlforward’s obsessive frugality and the resilience of those left behind to navigate their lives in its wake.
In the end, Violet’s strength and determination hinted at a glimmer of hope. Though burdened by the past, she resolved to move forward, carrying with her the lessons learned from her time with Earlforward. The story ends on a note of somber reflection, underscoring the profound impact of human connections and the enduring struggle for personal fulfillment.
Main Characters
- Henry Earlforward: A middle-aged bookseller, miserly and solitary, whose life is meticulously ordered. His character is marked by a deep fear of poverty and a rigid adherence to frugality.
- Mrs. Arb: A cheerful and competent widow who takes over a confectioner’s shop. She becomes a central figure in Earlforward’s life, representing vitality and a challenge to his miserly ways.
- Elsie: A young widow and charwoman who works for Earlforward. Her conscientious nature and budding romance with Joe add depth to the narrative.
- Joe: Dr. Raste’s shell-shocked assistant and Elsie’s love interest. His character highlights the lingering effects of war on individuals.
Themes and Motifs
- Miserliness and Its Consequences: Earlforward’s obsession with saving money leads to his physical and emotional deterioration, impacting those around him.
- Love and Companionship: The relationships between Earlforward and Mrs. Arb, and between Elsie and Joe, explore the complexities of love, loyalty, and the need for human connection.
- The Impact of War: Joe’s shell-shock and its effects on his relationship with Elsie reflect the broader societal impact of World War I.
- Routine and Change: The characters’ struggles with their routines and the changes in their lives highlight the tension between stability and adaptability.
Writing Style and Tone
Arnold Bennett’s writing style in “Riceyman Steps” is characterized by detailed descriptions and a deep psychological insight into his characters. His narrative is rich with the texture of everyday life, capturing the mundane realities and the inner lives of his characters with a keen observational eye. Bennett employs a tone that is both compassionate and critical, reflecting on the human condition with a blend of empathy and realism. His use of descriptive passages creates a vivid sense of place, while his nuanced portrayal of characters’ thoughts and emotions adds depth to the narrative. The novel’s tone is introspective, exploring themes of love, loss, and the passage of time with a reflective and often somber lens.
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