The Divided Heart of The Quarryman’s Arms

At the heart of The Quarryman’s Arms, nationalism pulses like an unrelenting drumbeat, infused with the fierce loyalty of patriotism. The pub is a microcosm of cultural division, split into two distinct realms to cater to its Welsh and English clientele. Sarah, who speaks "good schoolroom English," is employed to manage the lounge, while the pub’s proprietor, Jack, caters to the Welsh patrons at the public bar, where politics is the constant topic of conversation. For the Welsh, the scars of the British actions during the Great Strike and the Tonypandy Riots remain fresh, fueling a deep-seated distrust of their neighbors. To them, the conflict is England’s war, a manifestation of the ongoing "imperialistic, capitalistic" tendencies they believe the British have exhibited since the Great War. In contrast, the Welsh see themselves as moderate and agrarian, a people of the land.

Reflections on Nationalistic Sentiments

Sarah perceives that these fervent nationalistic feelings are perpetuated by isolation and a provincial mindset, recognizing that everyone desires to claim the spotlight rather than linger in obscurity. Nationalism becomes a fortress, safeguarding treasured values, akin to precious artifacts secured within the ancient stone quarry. "And nationalism is a way of putting it back in the center, of saying that what’s here is important enough," she muses. "It’s a redrawing of the boundaries of what’s worthwhile." This national pride manifests through the language and cultural nuances of the tale’s characters. Harry Hitch, a BBC broadcaster, mocks the Welsh tongue and spirit, wielding the only Welsh word he knows ("ta" or "thanks") to order more drinks. He dismisses the Welsh language, assuming English should be the dominant tongue across the United Kingdom, overlooking the vibrant diversity of its lands and peoples. His belief that, as a paying guest, he should be served in his native language, underscores his attitude.

Colin, another Englishman, echoes this sense of national superiority by insisting Sarah converse in English during their interactions. Her attempts to teach him Welsh end with his swift disinterest. This attitude sets the stage for a pivotal moment in the story, highlighting the cultural rift between the characters when Sarah firmly rebukes him with "Nargois!" as he imposes himself upon her. Her resolute defiance symbolizes the enduring, complex relationship between Wales and England.

A Portrait of Provincial Isolation

Davies masterfully invokes the allure of film stars to highlight the provincial atmosphere and pervasive isolation felt by the villagers, particularly Sarah. When American airmen traverse the skies over North Wales en route to their bases in East Anglia, the villagers peer eagerly into their faces, yearning for a fleeting glimpse of renowned enlistees like James Stewart or Tyrone Power. Instead, they are often met with the sight of "gangly, freckle-faced farm boys" reminiscent of a tail-gunner from Kentucky. This mismatch leaves their hopes deflated, their sense of seclusion unshaken. Yet, for Sarah, the world seems to draw nearer when Churchill’s stirring broadcast concludes, and the D-Day invasion is celebrated by throngs of jubilant British soldiers and BBC workers.

Dreams of Glamour and Missteps

Sarah, having only witnessed swimming pools through the silver screen, finds herself captivated by Esther Williams—an aquatic dynamo turned cinematic icon, whom she reveres as "the most beautiful woman in the world." She yearns for a life steeped in the glamour of her screen idol, a longing born from a naively romanticized view of the world beyond her own. This desire, rooted in an innocent misapprehension, ultimately plays a role in her misjudgment of Colin’s true nature.