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Cover of The Serpent's Tooth

The Serpent's Tooth

Written by B. M. (Bithia Mary) Croker

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About this book

"The Serpent's Tooth" by B. M. Croker is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative is set in the English countryside, focusing on the lives of Colonel Tom Fenchurch and his wife Dorothy, who welcome their orphaned niece Letty Glyn into their home. Their comfortable domestic life is disrupted as they navigate the complexities of family dynamics, societal expectations, and the potential for Letty's future. The opening of the book introduces Colonel Fenchurch and his wife Dorothy as they prepare for the arrival of Letty, who has been living in Germany and is now returning to live with them. While Tom is excited and eager to welcome her, Dorothy appears less enthusiastic, indicating underlying tensions about Letty's presence. The couple's contrasting attitudes foreshadow complications in their relationship with Letty as the story unfolds. Early glimpses reveal Letty's sweetness and potential, setting the stage for her struggle for acceptance within her new family and community, while also hinting at themes of jealousy and competition that will likely emerge as she finds her place in this dynamic.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The Serpent's Tooth, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • domestic
  • tense
  • social drama

B. M. Croker's early 20th-century novel, "The Serpent's Tooth," delves into the intricate dynamics of family life in the English countryside as Colonel Tom Fenchurch and his wife Dorothy welcome their orphaned niece, Letty Glyn, into their home. The initial excitement of Tom is sharply contrasted by Dorothy's underlying reluctance, immediately setting a tone of domestic tension and foreshadowing future conflicts. As Letty, a sweet but potentially disruptive presence, navigates her new surroundings, the narrative explores themes of jealousy, duty, and the struggle for acceptance within a seemingly idyllic setting. The story likely culminates in a resolution of these familial tensions, examining how love, resentment, and societal expectations shape individual lives and relationships.

“"A sharper pang than any serpent's tooth, to find oneself unwished, unwanted, a burden on kin."”

Key themes

Jealousy and Resentment
This theme is central, primarily explored through Dorothy's character. Her initial lack of enthusiasm and subsequent actions towards Letty are likely driven by deep-seated jealousy—perhaps of Letty's youth, innocence, or the attention she garners from Tom. This resentment acts as the 'serpent's tooth' that poisons the domestic harmony.
Acceptance and Belonging
Letty's primary struggle is to find a place where she feels truly accepted and belongs after being orphaned. Her new home, while offering shelter, does not immediately offer emotional security due to Dorothy's attitude. This theme explores the human need for connection and the pain of exclusion.
Family Duty vs. Personal Desire
Colonel Fenchurch embodies the societal expectation of family duty by welcoming his orphaned niece. Dorothy, however, struggles with this duty, as it conflicts with her personal comfort and desires, highlighting the tension between obligation and individual feelings. The novel questions the true meaning of familial love beyond mere responsibility.

Worth discussing

How does Croker use the character of Dorothy to explore the complexities of familial duty versus personal desire?

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