The Innocent Wayfaring by Marchette Gaylord Chute
"The Innocent Wayfaring" by Marchette Gaylord Chute is a historical fiction novel set in 14th-century England that follows the adventures of Anne Richmond, the sole daughter of a nobleman. Sent to a convent school to learn traditional female virtues, Anne longs for a life beyond domestic duties and aspires to become a public entertainer. Her journey begins when she escapes the confines of the convent to seek her dreams at a Midsummer Fair, encountering jugglers, magicians, and other vibrant performers. However, her plans go awry when she mistakenly accuses a stranger, Nicholas Ware, of stealing her pet monkey, leading to a comedic trial and subsequent escape with Nicholas. Together, they embark on a series of adventures filled with colorful characters and unexpected challenges, including a near encounter with a robber and an ill-fated betrothal proposal. The narrative showcases their evolving relationship, as they navigate societal expectations and their own aspirations. Combining humor and historical detail, Chute's work appeals to both younger audiences and those interested in the medieval period, blending engaging storytelling with a vivid portrayal of the era's social dynamics.
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The Innocent Wayfaring by Marchette Gaylord Chute
First published: 1943; illustrated
Type of work: Historical fiction
Themes: Family, friendship, gender roles, love and romance, and travel
Time of work: Three days in June, 1370
Recommended Ages: 10-13
Locale: Surrey, England
Principal Characters:
Anne Richmond , a willful girl of fifteen, who seeks a more adventurous life than housekeepingNicholas Ware , an aspiring poet who wins Anne’s heartSir Hugh Richmond , Anne’s fatherEmily Richmond , Anne’s motherDame Agatha (Richmond) , a prioress and Anne’s aunt
The Story
Anne Richmond, the only child of Sir Hugh Richmond, Lord of the Manor of Rotheby in Surrey, England, is sent to the convent school of St. Cecilia, presided over by Sir Hugh’s sister, the prioress Dame Agatha. A good woman but less than kind, Dame Agatha is to instill in Anne maidenly virtues and talents in cookery, spinning, and embroidery. Anne finds that she yearns for more than needlework and tending to the dairy. She wants to have a life of her own as a public entertainer. With her singing voice, the prioress’ pet monkey, and a new tambourine, she could live a life of independence.
Heading for London, she finds herself at the Midsummer Fair in Little Tiddlingham. She is entranced by entertainers, jugglers, magicians, and tightrope walkers. Realizing that she has no money, she decides to put on her own entertainment, charming people with her singing and the antics of the monkey. Soon, however, she discovers that the pet is missing; alarmed and searching for it, she sees a furry arm and head dart out of the cloak of a stranger, Nicholas Ware. Anne accuses the stranger of theft. A comedic trial quickly ensues. The stranger is acquitted, but Anne is accused and promptly convicted of bringing false charges. Noting the self-interest of the judge in fining Anne and attempting to confiscate the monkey, Nicholas helps Anne escape.
Thus begin three days of adventure as the two share their dreams beyond family expectations. Nicholas, the son of a London vintner, prefers poetry to following in his father’s trade. Heading on the road to Guildford, the two encounter a host of lively characters. The first evening finds the couple in the company of Dame Alison, who presided over an alehouse in Guildford. Here, other wayfarers engaged in lively conversations of performing in plays and escaping plagues and share views of astronomy. Traveling on, the young couple is accosted by a robber. Again, Nicholas rescues Anne. They stop in Dorking at the home of Nicholas’ literary friend, Gilbert Blount. This episode provides a picture of the domestic life of a middle-class family of the period.
The final episode takes place at the castle of Lady Isabel. Lady Isabel recognizes the quality of Anne’s garments and begins to plot a betrothal between Anne and her dim son, Gervase. A comedy of errors unfolds in a maze of gardens. Daydreaming of Nicholas, Anne inadvertently agrees to Gervase’s proposal. Upon realizing her mistake, she escapes again with Nicholas, this time heading to Rotheby, where Lady Emily recognizes Anne and Nicholas’ love for each other. The author reveals the hearts and unspoken pledge of love between the couple. Anne eagerly promises to return to the convent with a renewed interest in needlework, spinning, and cookery.
Context
Born and reared in Minnesota, Marchette Chute lived in New York City, where she wrote poetry, biography, and history. The quality of Chute’s extensive historical research was recognized through many literary awards. The Innocent Wayfaring, which followed two books of poetry, was important as the first of Chute’s historical fiction. While not extensively reviewed in a critical manner, this book was noted for impeccable accuracy in the portrayal of the texture of the medieval period and for the comic portrayal of characters. The author acknowledged that it was not a serious tale, but her study of Geoffrey Chaucer was evident in the wit and humor that penetrated the fabric of the tale. Line drawings by the author also enhanced the lightheartedness of the story. The Innocent Wayfaring has attracted two audiences. Preteens have enjoyed the quick-paced romance. Young readers who prefer historical realism have been absorbed in the medieval period.
Chute’s research on fourteenth century England, evident in The Innocent Wayfaring, provided a basis for the historical biography that followed, Geoffrey Chaucer of England (1946). Chute’s second historical novel, The End of the Search (1947), was a carefully documented historical biography of William Shakespeare, republished as Shakespeare of London (1950). The author’s major literary accomplishments were the adult historical biographies of English poets, Ben Jonson of Westminster (1953) and Two Gentle Men: The Lives of George Herbert and Robert Herrick (1959). Chute’s literary career culminated in 1969 with the publication of The First Liberty: A History of the Right to Vote in America, 1619-1850, her only work on an American theme, which was also highly acclaimed for its scholarship.