The Woodlanders

Dr. Fitzpiers believes himself to be a “merciless, unwavering, irresistible scientist” (102), a position supported by others. The opposite, however, proves true. Science and anatomy are just two of his “many hobbies” (102), alongside poetry, metaphysics, alchemy, and astrology. The novel reveals that Dr. Fitzpiers is a dilletante, someone who invests time in many things and only half-heartedly at that. Dr. Fitzpiers also hails from noble stock, thus adding to his haughty airs and perception of himself as better than others.

When Dr. Fitzpiers falls in love with Grace, the narrative suggests that this “dandy” might be experiencing a character change. Yet Dr. Fitzpiers initially makes no real change to his character. In fact, his love for Grace exposes more of his inner workings by initially following the pattern of his other “passions” in that “he […] loved her sincerely in his selfish way” (175). His love was of “such quality as to bear division and transference” (175). In other words, like with his hobbies, Dr. Fitzpiers is capable of many shifting infatuations at the same time.

The affair between Dr. Fitzpiers and Mrs. Charmond reveals complexity to his character. The affair itself is wrong and scandalous, injuring the woman he supposedly loves through betrayal.