Essay Questions

What do the white feathers symbolize?

The white feathers in the novel are a symbol of cowardice and disgrace. They are initially sent to Harry, by three of his brother-officers, as an emblem of his alleged cowardice, and a sign of their disdain of his deficient manhood. The fourth feather, added by Ethne, is a further corroboration and a clear declaration of disappointment in his character. From that moment on, Harry set on a mission to redeem his honor and value, and make his accusers take back their accusations.

How does the novel explore the concept of masculinity?

Set during the Mahdist War, the novel follows the life of officer Feversham who decides to quit the army. People around him perceive this to be a sign of cowardice and accuse him accordingly of not being brave enough to remain and fight in war. Such accusations and judgment have their root in the unrealistic expectations regarding masculinity back then. Thus, the novel explores the damaging impact which unrealistic expectations can have on men.

How is Feversham depicted in the text?

Overall, Feversham is portrayed as a kind, principled, and virtuous young man. He undergoes a major inner conflict when his intentions and desires clash with societal norms and conventions making him doubt his own character and courage. Feversham is also depicted as imaginative and creative which comes in the way of his blending in with the masculine ideals of his time

What is the difference between the first three feathers and the fourth one added by Ethne?

The first three feathers given Harry by his brother-officers were a token of prejudice and misunderstanding. When thinking of them, Harry winced but only from pain; pain of being wronged and misunderstood. The fourth feather, however, was added by his fiancée and meant much more than the three others. In fact, this last feather gave Harry an epiphany which made him reconsider his position, and exchange his initial state of silent reproach with one of active redemption that made him regain his lost reputation and respect.

How is the late Victorian society depicted through the novel?

The book offers a rich selection of examples which allow the reader the opportunity of a penetrating study and analysis of late 19th century society and conventions. Reputation and public image then were much more important than integrity and virtue. Therefore, a brave young man like Harry Feversham was accused of cowardice just because he desired to break free from the vicious circle set by a long line of ancestors to control his life.

Moreover, prejudice and intolerance were the ruling forces of most relationships. Harry’s father spurned him out of intolerance; his friends deserted him due to prejudice, while his fiancée left him because of both. This narrative setup conveys the rigidity and intolerance of society back then.

How is the concept of the “other” developed in the book?

The novel deals with the concept of otherness through a set of characters belonging in terms of race and religion to African and Muslim origins. The author divided the forces of Good and Evil equally between the English and non-English characters. Virtue and vice exist in both factions. Friends and enemies can be found among the two groups. Harry owed his life to an Arab and his misery to his own country-man. This is the author’s way of saying that otherness is not to be linked to race or religion but rather to the individual’s moral compass.