Chapters 1-5 Summary

Chapter 1: Adam and Seth Bede work alongside several other carpenters at the workshop of Jonathan Burge, master craftsman, fashioning everything from doors and windows to items of furniture. Seth, Adam's younger and less decisive brother announces with pleasure that he has finally finished his door. The other workmen pause briefly and look over at the door, then break up into laughter. Adam, although not laughing, has a wry smile on his face. When Seth asks what's funny about the door, Adam tells him he forgot the panels. One of the men pokes fun at Seth for being a Methodist ("Methody") and insinuates it's because of his religion that he make the mistake. Adam coaxes his brother to take his error and the ribbing in stride, saying everyone makes mistakes. When the town clock begins to strike 6 p.m., all the men...