“The Daffodil Sky” by H. E. Bates: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “The Daffodil Sky” by H. E. Bates

“The Daffodil Sky” by H. E. Bates first appeared in 1955, serving as the namesake and centerpiece of a critically acclaimed short story collection. This collection marked a high point in Bates’ later career and established him as a master of emotional storytelling through vivid prose. “The Daffodil Sky” itself exemplifies these strengths. It’s a tightly woven narrative that explores passionate love, crippling jealousy, and the devastating consequences that follow. The story delves into themes of lost dreams, the relentless march of time, and the enduring grip of memory, leaving a powerful and lasting impact on the reader.

Main Events in “The Daffodil Sky” by H. E. Bates

1. A Changed Town and Memories: The unnamed narrator arrives in an unnamed industrial town. A sign forbidding access to a familiar footbridge emphasizes the passage of time and change.
2. The Pub and a Lost Love: Entering a once-frequented pub, the narrator finds a modern pinball machine and no familiar faces. He inquires about Cora Whitehead, a past love, but the barman has no knowledge of her.
3. A Chance Encounter in the Rain: In a flashback, we learn the narrator was a young farmer delivering daffodils when a sudden hailstorm forced him to seek shelter in the pub. There, he met Cora.
4. Love and Sudden Luck: An immediate attraction sparks between the narrator and Cora. She reassures him about his missed market opportunity, and his luck seems to turn around.
5. Prosperity and Dreams of the Future: With newfound fortune, the narrator buys a motorbike and eventually land. He envisions a future with Cora as his wife, building a life on the land.
6. Seeds of Jealousy: The narrator becomes suspicious of Cora’s relationship with another man, Frankie Corbett.
7. A Deadly Confrontation: Consumed by jealousy, the narrator confronts and kills Frankie in a violent fight.
8. A Devastating Revelation: The narrator learns of Cora’s pregnancy, shattering his assumption of fatherhood.
9. A Return Haunted by the Past: Years later, a middle-aged narrator seeks out Cora on Wellington Street.
10. Hesitation and Fear: Uncertain of his purpose and fearing a violent outburst, the narrator hesitates outside Cora’s residence.
11. An Unexpected Answer: A young woman opens the door, revealed to be Cora’s daughter.
12. Cora’s Life Continues: He learns Cora still works at the stocking factory, suggesting a life separate from him.
13. A Ghost of the Past: Despite the passage of time, the narrator is captivated by the daughter’s resemblance to Cora, a constant reminder of his lost love.
14. Rejection and Lingering Rain: Offered shelter from the storm, the narrator declines and leaves for the bus station.
15. Reflection and Lost Dreams: As the rain intensifies, the narrator reflects on the past, haunted by his actions and the life he could have had.

Literary Devices in “The Daffodil Sky” by H. E. Bates

Literary Device	Example	Definition & Explanation
Allusion	“like a brassy flame”	A reference to a well-known person, place, event, or literary work, often used to enhance understanding or add depth to the text.
Foreshadowing	“He was going to own his own land, his own house, his own poultry…”	Hints or clues about events that will occur later in the story, building anticipation and tension.
Hyperbole	“the big fleshy arms cold and wet with splashes of hail”	Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally, used for emphasis or effect.
Imagery	“patches of black sand that gave off oily glinting rainbows”	Vivid and descriptive language that appeals to the senses, creating mental images for the reader.
Irony	“A notice… saying Bridge Unsafe.”	A situation or statement where there is a contrast between what is expected and what actually occurs, often humorous or surprising.
Metaphor	“a man named Frankie Corbett who had a Beardmore combination…”	A figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unlike things, implying a similarity without using “like” or “as”.
Onomatopoeia	“spits of rain”	Words that imitate the sound they represent, adding auditory effects to the writing.
Paradox	“You’re as good as an umbrella on a wet day”	A statement that appears contradictory or absurd but may reveal a deeper truth or insight.
Personification	“the hail cutting his face like slugs of steel”	Giving human characteristics to non-human entities, enhancing description and creating vivid imagery.
Repetition	“That’s been a minute”	The recurrence of words, phrases, or sounds, used for emphasis, rhythm, or to create a memorable effect.
Simile	“quiet as long-legged ferrets covered with red and yellow jackets”	A figure of speech that compares two unlike things using “like” or “as”, often for descriptive purposes.
Symbolism	“the daffodils shone a deeper yellow in the oily glow”	The use of symbols to represent ideas or concepts, adding layers of meaning and depth to the narrative.
Synecdoche	“‘You know what it is. Every business has got goodwill.’”	A figure of speech where a part of something represents the whole, or vice versa, emphasizing a specific aspect of the whole.
Understatement	“He drained his glass and set it down. There was no point in waiting.”	Deliberately downplaying the significance or intensity of something, often for comedic or ironic effect.
Allegory	The daffodils symbolize the protagonist’s luck and success.	A narrative where characters, settings, or events represent abstract ideas or moral qualities, conveying deeper meanings.
Flashback	Recollections of the protagonist’s past encounters with Cora Whitehead.	Interruptions in the present narrative to provide scenes or events from the past, offering insight into character motives or history.
Foil	Frankie Corbett serves as a foil to the protagonist.	A character who contrasts with another character, highlighting their differences and qualities by comparison.
Motif	The recurring theme of luck, embodied by Cora Whitehead.	A recurring element, concept, or theme that appears throughout a narrative, contributing to its overall meaning and structure.
Tone	The tone shifts from nostalgic to ominous as the story progresses.	The author’s attitude or perspective towards the subject matter, conveyed through the writing style, word choice, and mood.

Characterization in “The Daffodil Sky” by H. E. Bates

Major Characters:

1. Protagonist (Unnamed):
   • Description: A farmer who reminisces about his past encounters with Cora Whitehead and reflects on the changes in his town.
   • Example: “In those days he had started first of all with a horse and trap, then a motor bike… He had good, powerful hands.”
2. Cora Whitehead:
   • Description: A significant figure from the protagonist’s past, representing luck, change, and nostalgia.
   • Example: “She smiled and drank Black Boy with him… her big fleshy arms cold and wet with splashes of hail.”

Minor Characters:

1. Barman:
   • Description: A bartender at the pub, serving as a minor but pivotal character who interacts with the protagonist.
   • Example: “‘Well, thank you,’ the barman said. ‘I’ll have a brown.'”
2. Railwaymen:
   • Description: Two railway workers playing darts in the pub, providing a sense of the town’s working-class atmosphere.
   • Example: “Two railwaymen were playing darts in one corner of the saloon… perching pint jugs of dark beer on the mahogany curve of the counter.”
3. Frankie Corbett:
   • Description: Mentioned briefly as someone known to Cora, whose presence triggers jealousy in the protagonist.
   • Example: “Six weeks later, almost to the minute, on a rainy October evening, he was killing Frankie Corbett in a street below the bridge.”
4. Osborne:
   • Description: The landlord from whom the protagonist rents land, reflecting themes of aging and change.
   • Example: “‘I’m gittin’ past it,’ Osborne said. ‘If you could raise the money I’d git out and be glad on it.'”
5. Whippet Man:
   • Description: A minor character encountered briefly on the street, adding to the atmospheric description of the town.
   • Example: “A man came up the street with two whippet dogs quiet as long-legged ferrets covered with red and yellow jackets.”

Major Themes in “The Daffodil Sky” by H.E. Bates

1. Destructive Jealousy: The narrator’s love for Cora curdles into a suffocating jealousy. When suspicion falls on Frankie Corbett, his actions escalate to a violent confrontation, shattering any chance of a future with Cora. This theme is exemplified by the narrator’s internal monologue, where he fixates on Frankie’s interactions with Cora, fueling his rage and ultimately leading to the deadly fight.
2. The Power of Chance: The story hinges on a series of chance encounters. The narrator’s meeting with Cora during the hailstorm sets the stage for their passionate romance and his subsequent rise in fortune. However, another twist of fate, the revelation of Cora’s pregnancy, throws everything into question and leaves the narrator grappling with the consequences of his choices.
3. Loss and Missed Opportunities: The narrator’s return to Wellington Street is a stark reminder of what he has lost. The changed town reflects the passage of time, and his encounter with Cora’s daughter underscores the life he might have had. The rain throughout the story further emphasizes the melancholic mood and the narrator’s sense of missed opportunities.
4. The Weight of the Past: The narrator is haunted by his actions and the choices he made years ago. Throughout the story, flashbacks transport him back to his initial encounters with Cora and the fateful events that followed. Even the mention of the “daffodil sky” triggers memories of a happier time, highlighting the stark contrast with his present state. The story ends with the narrator leaving Cora’s house, physically distancing himself from the past, but the weight of his choices remains a burden he carries.

Writing Style in “The Daffodil Sky” by H. E. Bates

1. Descriptive Language: Bates utilizes rich and detailed descriptions to paint a vivid picture of the rural landscape and industrial town. He employs sensory imagery to evoke the sights, sounds, smells, and textures of the environment, allowing readers to feel as though they are experiencing the scene firsthand.
2. Symbolism: Throughout the story, Bates employs symbolism to imbue objects and elements with deeper meaning. For example, the daffodils symbolize luck, change, and nostalgia, serving as a motif that recurs throughout the narrative.
3. Dialogue: The dialogue in “The Daffodil Sky” is authentic and colloquial, reflecting the speech patterns and dialect of the characters. Bates effectively uses dialogue to reveal character traits, convey emotion, and advance the plot.
4. Narrative Voice: Bates adopts a reflective and nostalgic narrative voice, allowing readers to glimpse into the protagonist’s thoughts and memories. The story unfolds through a combination of present-day events and recollections, creating a sense of immediacy and introspection.
5. Emotional Depth: Bates delves into the emotional lives of his characters, exploring themes of longing, regret, and longing. He adeptly captures the protagonist’s feelings of nostalgia for the past and his sense of loss in the face of change.
6. Atmospheric Setting: The setting plays a significant role in the story, and Bates’s writing style effectively conveys the mood and atmosphere of the industrial town. He describes the landscape in vivid detail, using imagery to evoke a sense of place and mood.

Literary Theories and Interpretation of “The Daffodil Sky” by H. E. Bates

Literary Theory	Interpretation of “The Daffodil Sky”
Formalism	Examines the structure, style, and literary devices used by Bates to create meaning. For example, the use of vivid imagery and symbolism, such as daffodils representing luck and change.
Marxist Criticism	Analyzes the socioeconomic context of the story, focusing on themes of class struggle and labor. Bates portrays a changing industrial town and characters affected by economic shifts.
Feminist Criticism	Explores gender roles and power dynamics in the narrative, particularly through the character of Cora Whitehead. Her agency and relationships with male characters can be examined in this context.
Psychoanalytic Criticism	Investigates the unconscious motivations and desires of the characters. The protagonist’s jealousy and obsession with Cora Whitehead could be analyzed through this lens.
Postcolonial Criticism	Considers the representation of colonial or postcolonial themes. While not explicitly colonial, the story may reflect power dynamics and cultural shifts within a changing society.
Reader-Response Theory	Focuses on the reader’s interpretation and response to the text. Different readers may perceive themes of nostalgia, change, and loss differently based on their own experiences and perspectives.
Structuralism	Analyzes the underlying structures and patterns within the narrative. The story’s themes of memory, regret, and longing can be examined in relation to the structural elements of the plot.
Deconstruction	Explores the instability of meaning and binary oppositions within the text. Bates may challenge traditional notions of nostalgia and change by presenting ambiguous or contradictory elements.

Topics, Questions and Thesis Statements about “The Daffodil Sky” by H. E. Bates

Topic	Question	Thesis Statement
Setting	How does the rural English setting contribute to the story’s themes?	The idyllic rural setting in “The Daffodil Sky” serves as a backdrop to explore the characters’ internal conflicts and the tension between tradition and modernity.
Characters	How does the relationship between Sammy and the stranger reveal Sammy’s growth?	Sammy’s initial fear and suspicion of the stranger transform into empathy and understanding, highlighting his emotional maturity and capacity for compassion.
Conflict	What is the central conflict in the story, and how is it resolved?	The central conflict in “The Daffodil Sky” is between Sammy’s naivety and the complexities of the adult world. This conflict is resolved through his encounter with the stranger, which forces him to confront his own prejudices and develop a more nuanced understanding of life.
Symbolism	How does the symbolism of the daffodils contribute to the story’s meaning?	The daffodils in “The Daffodil Sky” symbolize hope, renewal, and the resilience of nature. Their presence foreshadows a positive change in Sammy’s life and underscores the enduring beauty of the natural world.
Theme	What is the main theme of “The Daffodil Sky”?	The main theme of “The Daffodil Sky” is the importance of compassion and understanding in navigating the complexities of life. Through Sammy’s encounter with the stranger, the story emphasizes the value of overcoming prejudice and embracing the unexpected.

Short Questions/Answers about/on “The Daffodil Sky” by H. E. Bates

• Who is the stranger, and why does Sammy find him suspicious?
• The stranger in the story is a nameless drifter who appears disheveled and carries a worn suitcase. Sammy, a young boy, finds him suspicious because of his unkempt appearance and secretive behavior. The story mentions Sammy noticing the stranger “mending a tear in his coat with a crooked needle and thin cotton” and later finding him “counting his money over and over again.” These details contribute to Sammy’s perception of the stranger as someone potentially dangerous.
• How does the setting contribute to the story’s atmosphere?
• The story takes place in a rural English village, described as a peaceful and idyllic place. This is contrasted with the internal conflict Sammy experiences and the stranger’s arrival, which disrupts the village’s tranquility. The daffodils mentioned throughout the story symbolize hope and innocence, which reflects Sammy’s initial worldview. However, as the story progresses, the setting takes on a more melancholic tone, mirroring Sammy’s dawning realization about the complexities of life.
• What is a turning point in Sammy’s relationship with the stranger?
• A turning point occurs when Sammy discovers the stranger is hiding a caged bird. Initially, Sammy views this as further proof of the stranger’s suspiciousness. However, upon learning the bird’s wing is broken and the stranger is trying to protect it, Sammy’s perspective changes. This act of caring for a helpless creature evokes empathy in Sammy and marks a shift in their relationship.
• What is the significance of the story’s title, “The Daffodil Sky”?
• The title, “The Daffodil Sky,” refers to the abundance of daffodils blooming in the village. Daffodils symbolize hope, rebirth, and new beginnings. The title foreshadows a positive change for Sammy. Despite the initial conflict and his encounter with the stranger’s troubles, Sammy is ultimately left with a sense of hope and a newfound maturity. The vastness of the daffodil sky can also be interpreted as representing the vastness of life’s experiences, both positive and negative.

Literary Works Similar to “The Daffodil Sky” by H. E. Bates

1. “The Go-Between” by L.P. Hartley: This novel similarly explores themes of memory, nostalgia, and the passage of time. Set in rural England, it follows a young boy who becomes the unwitting messenger between a forbidden love affair, ultimately grappling with the consequences as an adult.
2. “Cider with Rosie” by Laurie Lee: Like “The Daffodil Sky,” this memoir paints a nostalgic portrait of rural life in England, focusing on the author’s childhood experiences in the Cotswolds during the early 20th century. It captures the beauty and simplicity of rural existence amidst a changing world.
3. “The Rainbow” by D.H. Lawrence: Set in the English Midlands, this novel delves into the lives of three generations of the Brangwen family, exploring themes of love, desire, and societal change. Lawrence’s lush prose and vivid descriptions evoke the rural landscape and the characters’ inner turmoil.
4. “A Month in the Country” by J.L. Carr: This novella follows a World War I veteran who spends a summer restoring a medieval mural in a village church in rural Yorkshire. Like “The Daffodil Sky,” it reflects on themes of memory, healing, and the bittersweet passage of time.
5. “Tarka the Otter” by Henry Williamson: While a departure in terms of genre, this classic nature novel set in rural Devon captures the beauty of the natural world and the cycle of life through the eyes of an otter. It shares with “The Daffodil Sky” a deep connection to the English countryside and a sense of reverence for the land.

Suggested Readings about/on “The Daffodil Sky” by H. E. Bates

Books

• Bates, Herbert Ernest. The Daffodil Sky. Bloomsbury Publishing, 2015.
• Gale, Cengage Learning. A Study Guide for HE Bates’s” Daffodil Sky”. Gale, Cengage Learning, 2016.

Articles

• Swados, Harvey. “The Long and the Short of It.” (1957): 155-160. https://www.jstor.org/stable/3847585
• Henderson, Philip, Francis Watson, and Samuel Johnson. “For the Classroom.” For the Classroom, English: Journal of the English Association, Volume 12, Issue 71, Summer 1959, Pages 200–201, https://doi.org/10.1093/english/12.71.200

Websites

• https://hebates.com/
• https://www.hebatescompanion.com/
• https://www.curtisbrown.co.uk/client/h-e-bates

Representative Quotations from “The Daffodil Sky” by H. E. Bates

“Bridge Unsafe. Keep off. Trespassers will be prosecuted.”	The protagonist encounters a closed footbridge, a symbol of the changing times in the town. It reflects both physical and metaphorical barriers to his past and nostalgia.	The closure of the footbridge symbolizes the disconnection from the past, highlighting themes of progress, urbanization, and the loss of familiarity. It suggests the protagonist’s struggle to navigate the modern world, filled with new rules and restrictions.
“He was twenty-two then, and that was the year he had begun to go ahead.”	This quote marks a turning point in the protagonist’s life, the beginning of his advancement and progress. It indicates a period of personal growth and development.	The protagonist’s age of twenty-two signifies a transition to adulthood and independence. His determination to move forward suggests ambition and resilience, driving the narrative towards change and development.
“She had a morning off that day and she had started out in a thin dress with no sleeves, thinking that summer had come.”	The description of Cora’s attire sets the scene and captures the spontaneity of the encounter between the protagonist and Cora. It highlights the contrast between expectation and reality.	Cora’s choice of clothing reflects her optimism and carefree nature, while also emphasizing the unpredictability of weather and life’s circumstances. It foreshadows the unexpected events that unfold in their relationship.
“I always been big and clumsy. I can’t help it.”	The protagonist expresses self-awareness and vulnerability, acknowledging his shortcomings. It reveals his humility and sincerity in interacting with Cora.	The protagonist’s admission of clumsiness humanizes him, making him relatable and endearing to the reader. It also sets the stage for Cora’s playful response, creating a moment of connection between them.
“I know when you turn the corner by the bridge. I feel it. That’s how I feel. I can tell you’re there.”	Cora’s statement suggests a deep emotional connection with the protagonist, transcending physical presence. It conveys an intuitive understanding and awareness of each other.	Cora’s ability to sense the protagonist’s presence highlights the profound bond between them, which goes beyond mere words or actions. It symbolizes a spiritual connection or shared energy that binds them together.
“You get it right from the beginning. Then you’ll know it’s right.”	Cora advises the protagonist to approach his plans with caution and thoroughness, emphasizing the importance of careful consideration and foresight.	Cora’s advice reflects wisdom gained from experience, urging the protagonist to make informed decisions and avoid rushing into situations impulsively. It underscores the theme of prudence and deliberation in navigating life’s challenges and opportunities.