CHAPTER XVIII. -Crome yellow

In Chapter XVIII of “Crome Yellow,” Ivor departs for a Roman Catholic church service, eager in his devotion, driving a striking yellow car. Mary, curious about Catholic rituals, joins him, departing from the estate in the hope of an interesting experience. Meanwhile, in the local parish church of Crome, Mr. Bodiham delivers a sermon about the debate over a War Memorial, confronting the village’s varied and conflicting interests.

Mr. Bodiham advocates for a religious monument, dismissing plans for a library or reservoir as secular and unsuitable for memorializing war dead. He suggests enhancements to the church’s grounds, a stained glass window, or a marble monument as fitting tributes that serve God and memorialize the fallen. Highlighting insufficient funds as an obstacle, he calls for generous donations, emphasizing immediate action given the unpredictability of God’s judgment.

Henry Wimbush, on his part, reflects on his preference for a library filled with local history and literature, envisioning it as a resource for the village. His walk home past a group of bored village boys underscores the shift in local culture and community engagement. Reminiscing about past community activities and pondering the suppression of traditional pleasures by Puritanical influences, Wimbush rues the loss of communal joy and connection to nature.

This chapter weaves together themes of devotion, tradition, and change within the small community of Crome. Ivor’s early departure for church, Mary’s curiosity, Mr. Bodiham’s impassioned plea for a religious War Memorial, and Henry Wimbush’s cultural reflections contrast sharply, yet all illustrate the diverse perspectives and values within the village. Through the debate over the War Memorial, Huxley highlights the conflict between progression and preservation, secular pragmatism and spiritual dedication, inviting reflection on how communities memorialize their dead and honor their histories.