Chapter 16
When Prejudice Meets Possibility
The New Schoolfellow It was a cold, wet January day on which Tom went back to school; a day quite in keeping with this severe phase of his destiny. If he had not carried in his pocket a parcel of sugar-candy and a small Dutch doll for little Laura, there would have been no ray of expected pleasure to enliven the general gloom. But he liked to think how Laura would put out her lips and her tiny hands for the bits of sugarcandy; and to give the greater keenness to these pleasures of imagination, he took out the parcel,…
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Now let's explore the literary elements.
Key Quotes & Analysis
"He would have disliked having a deformed boy for his companion, even if Philip had not been the son of a bad man."
Context: Describing Tom's prejudiced thoughts before meeting Philip
This reveals Tom's double prejudice - against Philip's physical disability and his family name. Eliot shows how children absorb society's biases about both physical differences and family reputations.
In Today's Words:
He already didn't want to room with a disabled kid, and the family drama made it even worse. The same pressure shows up today when family duty, gossip, or fear of being 'too much' keeps people from choosing what their inner life actually needs. The same pressure shows up today when family duty, gossip, or
"And Tom did not see how a bad man's son could be very good."
Context: Explaining Tom's inherited prejudice against Philip
Shows how children inherit their parents' feuds and prejudices without question. Tom assumes moral character is genetic, a common Victorian belief that Eliot challenges.
In Today's Words:
If your dad's a jerk, you must be a jerk too - that's what Tom figured. The same pressure shows up today when family duty, gossip, or fear of being 'too much' keeps people from choosing what their inner life actually needs. The same pressure shows up today when family duty, gossip, or fear of
"The New Schoolfellow It was a cold, wet January day on which Tom went back to school; a day quite in keeping with this severe phase of his destiny."
Context: From the opening of the chapter
This line anchors the scene's pressure and shows how provincial judgment, family debt, or forbidden feeling can harden before anyone offers mercy.
In Today's Words:
In plain terms, the passage says: The New Schoolfellow It was a cold, wet January day on which Tom went back to school; a day quite in keeping with this severe phase of his Readers still recognize the same dynamic when society punishes feeling in women while excusing the men who shape their choices.
"If he had not carried in his pocket a parcel of sugar-candy and a small Dutch doll for little Laura, there would have been no ray of expected pleasure to enliven the general gloom."
Context: From the opening of the chapter
This line anchors the scene's pressure and shows how provincial judgment, family debt, or forbidden feeling can harden before anyone offers mercy.
In Today's Words:
In plain terms, the passage says: If he had not carried in his pocket a parcel of sugar-candy and a small Dutch doll for little Laura, there would have been no ray of expecte Readers still recognize the same dynamic when society punishes feeling in women while excusing the men who shape their choices.
Thematic Threads
Inherited Prejudice
In This Chapter
Tom arrives carrying his father's hatred of the Wakem family, expecting Philip to embody all the negative traits he's been told about
Development
Introduced here - shows how family conflicts pass to the next generation
In Your Life:
You might find yourself disliking coworkers or neighbors based on stories you've heard rather than your own experience.
Talent Recognition
In This Chapter
Tom's amazement at Philip's artistic ability breaks through his prejudice and creates genuine curiosity
Development
Introduced here - establishes how skill and talent can bridge social divides
In Your Life:
You might discover that someone you dismissed actually has abilities that could help you or earn your respect.
Social Barriers
In This Chapter
The boys' initial awkwardness stems from class differences and family feuds, not personal dislike
Development
Continues from earlier chapters showing how social expectations shape relationships
In Your Life:
You might avoid connecting with people because of perceived social differences rather than actual incompatibility.
Mutual Benefit
In This Chapter
Philip offers to help Tom with studies while Tom could offer physical protection - their weaknesses complement each other's strengths
Development
Introduced here - shows how unlikely partnerships can be mutually beneficial
In Your Life:
You might find that people you initially avoided could actually help you with your own challenges.
Individual vs. Category
In This Chapter
Tom begins to see Philip as a person rather than just 'a Wakem' or 'the deformed boy'
Development
Introduced here - establishes the theme of seeing people as individuals
In Your Life:
You might catch yourself judging people by their group membership rather than their individual character and actions.
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
This is not a test. Five prompts guide you through the chapter, from how it opens to how it closes, so you notice context and rhythm rather than facts to memorize. Sit with each question in your own words. When you see "One way to read it," treat it as a starting point, not the only answer.
- 1
What situation opens "When Prejudice Meets Possibility", and what is at stake for Maggie or the people around her?
analysis • surfaceOne way to read it
Tom returns to school dreading his new roommate, Philip Wakem, son of his father's enemy and a boy with a physical deformity.
- 2
How does the middle of "When Prejudice Meets Possibility" test loyalty, pride, or survival under provincial judgment?
analysis • mediumOne way to read it
This leads to a tentative conversation where Tom learns Philip is brilliant at Latin and Greek, subjects Tom dreads.
- 3
Where in "When Prejudice Meets Possibility" do family obligation and personal desire pull in opposite directions?
application • mediumOne way to read it
This leads to a tentative conversation where Tom learns Philip is brilliant at Latin and Greek, subjects Tom dreads.
- 4
What does the closing movement of "When Prejudice Meets Possibility" suggest about love, reputation, or self-knowledge?
application • deepOne way to read it
Eliot shows how prejudice crumbles when we actually engage with people as individuals rather than representatives of what we fear or dislike.
- 5
After "When Prejudice Meets Possibility", what would you do differently if you were trying to honor family without surrendering your values?
reflection • deepOne way to read it
Eliot shows how prejudice crumbles when we actually engage with people as individuals rather than representatives of what we fear or dislike.
Critical Thinking Exercise
Test Your Inherited Opinions
Think of someone you've been taught to dislike or distrust - maybe through family stories, workplace gossip, or community reputation. Write down what you've heard about them versus what you've actually experienced. Then imagine meeting them for the first time with no background information. What would you notice about their actual behavior, skills, or character?
Consider:
- •Separate secondhand stories from firsthand experience
- •Consider what interests or talents they might have that you've never heard about
- •Think about whether your current opinion serves you or limits your opportunities
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you discovered someone was completely different from their reputation. What changed your mind, and how did it affect your approach to judging others?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 17: The Complicated Dance of Friendship
As Tom and Philip's unlikely friendship begins to take shape, their different worlds and values will create both connection and conflict. The next chapter explores how these two boys navigate their growing bond while carrying the weight of their families' expectations.
