Essay Questions

Why is Phyllis an important character in The Melancholy Hussar of the German Legion by Thomas Hardy?

Phyllis is an important character because she helps the author to build the theme of love versus societal expectations. Society expects a man from a higher societal class to marry a woman from a rich family. Phyllis comes from an average family, and when she is engaged with Humphrey, everyone is shocked. Humphrey comes from a respectable rich family, which makes people consider Phyllis unfit for him. Phyllis is heartbroken when she realizes that Humphrey takes her for granted and underestimates her for a potential wife.

What does The Garden Wall represent in The Melancholy Hussar of the German Legion?

The Great Garden Wall symbolizes the obstacle that prevents Phyllis from marrying Matthaus. The physical wall between Dr. Grove’s residences from that of Tina is a symbol of the intangible barricade that denies Phyllis her happiness. Currently, Phyllis is married to Humphrey, who does not love her back, yet he denies her the opportunity to be with the man who values her life.

Why is Phyllis unable to escape with Tina as planned?

Tina and Phyllis arrange to run away despite knowing that she is engaged to Humphrey. The two arrange to meet behind the fence on the highway. However, before Tina arrives, Humphrey and his friend alight from the coach, and she overhears him telling his friend about the gift he has brought for Phyllis to apologize for the mistreatment he has subjected her so far. When Phyllis hears that Humphrey has a gift for her and he plans to apologize, she changes her mind and no longer wants to escape with Tina. When Tina comes, Phyllis tells him that she has changed her mind, and she returns home to get her present.