The Woman in White Part 1, Section 1, Chapter 7 Summary

  • Walter goes upstairs to meet his employer, Fredrick Fairlie.
  • Mr. Fairlie is possibly the most ridiculous human being alive.
  • We'll let Walter sum up his character: "Mr. Fairlie's selfish affectation and Mr. Fairlie's wretched nerves meant one and the same thing" (1.1.7.13).
  • Basically, Mr. Fairlie is a spoiled, stuck-up hypochondriac who likes making everyone around him jump through hoops.
  • Walter instantly dislikes the man.
  • Mr. Fairlie wants Walter to restore some pictures for him during his time at Limmeridge.
  • Turns out Fairlie is something of an art hoarder too.
  • Walter gratefully escapes the man's room and hopes he won't have to speak to him much ever again.