Demelza (novel)
| Industry | Copper mining and smelting |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1788 |
| Founder | Ross Poldark |
Area served | Cornwall, England |
| Products | Copper ore |
Demelza is the second installment in the twelve-book Poldark historical series by Winston Graham, released in 1946.
Set six months after the events of the first novel, this sequel resumes the narrative of Ross Poldark and his wife, Demelza, beginning in May 1788. Whereas the preceding book concludes on a victorious note for Demelza, this volume ends with the sorrowful loss of their firstborn child. Financial strains compel Ross to liquidate important family and agricultural holdings, including livestock, and to shut down a copper smelting enterprise he had established. His enduring enmity with George Warleggan escalates significantly. At the same time, Francis and Elizabeth Poldark grow distant from Ross and Demelza due to Demelza’s role in facilitating the elopement of Francis’s sister, Verity. The story also introduces Dwight Enys, who later emerges as a pivotal figure.
The storyline of Demelza serves as the foundation for Episodes 5 through 8 of Season 1 in the BBC's 2015 television adaptation.
Academics recognize that both Demelza and its predecessor have substantially influenced popular fictional portrayals of Cornwall, thereby contributing to the region’s cultural identity.
Book One
Covering the period from May to November 1788 across fifteen chapters, Book One emphasizes several critical plot points:
- During a fierce storm, Demelza delivers a daughter named Julia. Although Dr. Choake arrives late, assistance comes from Mrs. Zacky Martin and Prudie.
- Demelza arranges two separate christening celebrations for Julia—one attended by the gentry and another for common folk. Her father inadvertently attends the upper-class event and disparages guests’ attire, nearly inciting a conflict. Demelza views the occasion as a "black failure," especially when compared to Elizabeth Poldark’s event.
- Dwight Enys is introduced at the gentry christening as a London-educated physician and former American war veteran with an interest in pulmonary diseases. Ross employs him as a mine surgeon and leases him "The Gatehouse" near Mellin cottages.
- Harry Blewett, a distressed copper mine proprietor, appeals to Ross for assistance against copper smelters who are conspiring to depress ore prices. In response, Ross establishes the Carnmore Copper Company with about twelve local businessmen. Shareholders’ identities remain confidential except for Ross; Zacky Martin oversees company operations.
- Ross becomes increasingly conscious of George Warleggan’s growing wealth amidst widespread local poverty.
- For Julia’s christening, Ross hires the Aaron Otway Players. Mark Daniels courts actress Keren Smith and marries her after constructing a modest home near Mellin. Their unhappy marriage worsens when Keren suffers an injury and develops feelings for Dwight Enys.
- Demelza covertly reunites Captain Andrew Blamey with Verity, reigniting their romantic relationship.
- Jud Paynter, intoxicated while caring for Julia, accuses Jinny Martin of infidelity and alleges that Ross is the father of her child. Consequently, Ross dismisses the Paynters and employs John and Jane Gimlett instead.
- The closure of Grambler Mine—Francis Poldark’s primary source of income—leads to financial hardship for miners and forces Francis and Elizabeth Poldark to adapt their way of life.
Book Two
Book Two narrates events from April to May 1789 across fourteen chapters.
- The Carnmore Copper Company enters its inaugural copper ore auction in Truro, outbidding the Warleggans and other competitors. Some investors in Carnmore maintain banking ties with the Warleggans and fear repercussions if their association becomes known. Incensed, the Warleggans devise secret measures to uncover the identities of the company's backers.
- Jim Carter, husband to Jinny, is relocated from Bodmin jail to the disease-ridden Launceston prison. Upon discovering a severe infection in his arm, Ross and Dwight Enys intervene to save him. Despite undergoing amputation, Jim ultimately succumbs to his condition.
- Ross and Demelza attend an Assembly Ball held in Truro, later joining social gatherings at the Warleggan household. Demelza attracts attention from Sir Hugh Bodrugan and other members of high society. George Warleggan’s admiration for Elizabeth Poldark intensifies. Ross observes that Margaret Cartland has taken a new lover, abandoning Francis Poldark. Captain Blamey’s arrival triggers a confrontation with Francis. Ross catches Matthew Sanson, a relative of Warleggan, cheating during a card game and throws him into a river.
Book Three
Book Three unfolds over July 1789 in eleven chapters, set amid the initial phases of the French Revolution.
- Demelza acts as an intermediary for letters between Blamey and Verity, facilitating their eventual elopement. Francis wrongly accuses Ross and distances himself from him. When Demelza admits her involvement to Francis, he rejects her and condemns Ross’s marriage to her. Ross responds with anger upon discovering the truth.
- On the night Verity elopes, George Warleggan visits Trenwith, offering to forgive half of Francis’s gambling debts owed to Matthew Sanson and pledging £600 as compensation. Though grateful, Francis harbors resentment toward Ross and discloses the secret investors behind Carnmore Copper Company to Warleggan.
- Following a mining accident, Mark Daniels suspects his wife Keren of unfaithfulness after witnessing her leaving Dwight Enys’s residence. The ensuing confrontation leads to Keren’s death. Ross assists Mark in escaping by boat despite local military efforts to apprehend him. Mark successfully flees to France while Dwight is burdened by guilt over his role in these events.
Book Four
Book Four covers the period from Christmas 1789 through January 1790 in eleven chapters.
- Verity expresses contentment within her marriage.
- The Warleggan family succeeds in forcing the closure of the Carnmore Copper Company. George Warleggan, now wealthy and influential, increasingly positions himself against Ross.
- Facing monetary difficulties, Ross contemplates selling his shares in Wheal Leisure but withdraws when he realizes the probable purchaser would be the Warleggans.
- Dwight Enys warns Ross and Demelza about an outbreak of diphtheria at Trenwith affecting Francis and Elizabeth Poldark. Demelza tends to them without invitation but falls ill herself upon returning home; their child Julia dies and is buried at Sawle Church with over 350 local attendees present.
- After Julia’s funeral, Ross notices the Queen Charlotte, a ship owned by Warleggan, is foundering near Nampara. He alerts nearby residents, prompting thousands to scavenge wreckage along Hendrawna Beach. The situation escalates into riots accompanied by heavy drinking; Matthew Sanson, captain of the ship, dies during the chaos. A second vessel, the Pride of Madrus, also capsizes amid rising violence. Ross ensures safe passage for its captain and crew and advises military authorities against direct intervention.
New Locations
- Falmouth
- Grambler Village
Critical Reception and Interpretation
Academics recognize Demelza for its role in influencing Cornish cultural identity through:
- Extensive incorporation of Cornish place names and personal names
- Representation of traditional Cornish occupations and recreational activities
- Use of regional dialect to contrast the speech of the working-class Cornish with the Anglicized language of the upper classes, thereby portraying the laboring population as custodians of Cornish heritage
Conversely, some critics contend that the series has played a part in Cornwall’s "Disneyfication," encouraging tourism driven by idealized images rather than authentic industrial history. This phenomenon has resulted in widespread tourism and a commodification of local heritage, which now dominates the economic landscape and public perception, replacing the narrative of industrial decline with picturesque views of coastal villages and beaches.