The Blithedale Romance

During his illness, Coverdale learns that Priscilla “recently escaped from some particular peril” (49) and needs the community’s shelter. The ambiguity of the correspondence regarding the girl, however, keeps her from becoming a full member of Blithedale despite her hard work and blossoming health. She visits Coverdale in his sickroom and gives him a nightcap. While recovering, Coverdale reads extensively, focusing on the works of Charles Fourier, one of the main proponents of utopian socialism. While sharing Fourier’s ideas with Hollingsworth, Coverdale realizes that his new friend vehemently opposes Fourier’s theories. Believing that Hollingsworth is mad and focused solely on his plan to rehabilitate criminals, Coverdale becomes convinced that Hollingsworth nursed him only “for the ulterior purpose of making [Coverdale] a proselyte to his views” (57).

On May Day, Coverdale leaves his sickroom and encounters Zenobia decking Priscilla in blossoms. Zenobia confides in Coverdale about the singularity of Priscilla’s current wildness and happiness. Coverdale argues that women “are always happier than male creatures” (59), but Zenobia disagrees and explains that grown women have fewer choices in life than men. Regaining his health and strength, Coverdale begins to labor with the other men on the farm, finding enthusiasm for the work. New members have joined the community, and Coverdale contemplates their way of life, expressing surprise that so many different types of people have joined together for a common cause. However, he notices that their neighbors spread rumors about the society’s inability to properly farm the land and care for animals. Additionally, while Coverdale occasionally senses a spiritual connection with the natural world, he realizes that “intellectual activity is incompatible with any large amount of bodily exercise” (66), and he notices that Zenobia and Priscilla are under Hollingsworth’s spell and becoming “disciples of his mission” (68).

Despite spending his time with Hollingsworth, Zenobia, and Priscilla, Coverdale is often lonely. He decides that he did “Hollingsworth a great wrong by prying into his character” (70). Nevertheless, he still believes that the peculiar man’s single passion for criminal rehabilitation is a flaw and form of idolatry. In assessing Priscilla, Coverdale finds that she has grown beautiful, playful, healthy, and happy. He warns her that too much happiness is dangerous, but she brushes him off and goes to sit with Hollingsworth. Likewise, Zenobia spends much of her time with Hollingsworth. Community gossip holds that Zenobia and Hollingsworth are lovers and intend to set up house together, but when Coverdale mentions this to Hollingsworth, the other man only speaks of his dream of constructing a criminal rehabilitation center.

One day, while Coverdale and Hollingsworth are hoeing potatoes, Moodie enters the commune. After providing the elderly visitor with food, Coverdale asks him about the little purses Moodie sells and learns that Priscilla makes them. Moodie then asks about Priscilla, expressing concern for her health and happiness. After being assured of Priscilla’s well-being, Moodie questions the pair further, asking if anyone has ever called for Priscilla and about the nature of Priscilla’s relationship with Zenobia. When told that the two women are “like an elder and younger sister” rather than “a gentlewoman and her maid servant” (87), Moodie is pleased. Hollingsworth invites Moodie to watch the women from a window. The older man shakes his head when he observes Zenobia give Priscilla “a haughty look, as from a mistress to a dependent” (88).