The 12 chapters



The novel clearly divides into two sections: ch.1-9 and ch. 10-12. The change is marked by Jocelin's character collapse / growth after he learns of the hollowness of the pillars at the central crossing and the origins in a royal love-making of his promotion.

ch 1

Jocelin, elated that work is commencing, introduced

the effect of the work on the cathedral introduced

Pangall, Goody, Anselm,Adam,the dumb sculptor (Gilbert), the Aunt (Alison) and J's angel introduced

we sense some of the division and opposition J has caused (conversation with the Lord Chancellor

strong sense of the unchanging rituals and routines of the cathedral church (to point the contrast as work begins and so does disruption)

ch 2

Jocelin quarrels with Anselm

J decides 'Cost what you like'

Roger confirms lack of foundations but J insists they build (contrast of religious or spiritual and worldly)

promise of holy nail seems to J to confirm his vision

ch 3 (autumn to March)

rain invades the tombs of the buried and releases a stench (ironic parody of the roots of artistic vision?*)

J sees affair between Goody and Roger and decides 'She will keep him here'.

the weather and moral costs are paramount in this chapter, as people and masonic obstacles were in the last

*J allows us as active readers to make this connection: 'Here, where the pit stinks, I received what I received, all those years ago.'


Ch 4 Spring.

Ivo’s father’s wood arrives; he is made a canon.

Earth moves.

J refuses to release Roger from the contract.

Drama as pit filled in, J saved by Gilbert and Pangall disappears.

Ch 5

J detaches himself from people and problems at ground level by climbing.

Goody is pregnant.

Ch 6

Tower reaches full height.

Roger describes dangers of a spire splitting it apart.

J sees Roger and Goody in the ‘nest’.
Ch 7

Roger uses steel bands to secure the spire.

J finds the tower is swaying.

J arranges to send Goody away to give birth.

J precipitates a miscarriage and the death of Goody.
Ch 8

J deteriorates physically and mentally.

As J bows, so do the pillars.

Roger is drinking.

J becomes a talisman for the Masonic army

Masons celebrate solstice at Stonehenge.

J sees cross as fighting the paganism of Stonehenge.
Ch 9

Visitor’s qq

J in storm struggles up spire and fixes the Nail.
Ch 10

Alison reveals origin of J being chosen

J shown how the pillars are hollow.
Ch 11

J wants forgiveness from Anselm and from Roger

J sees appletree and kingfisher.

J says he killed Goody; R thinks J believes R killed Pangall.
Ch 12

Spire stands

J dies

Roger, paraplegic, apparently still alive.
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