How Green Was My Valley

Numerous issues have arisen at the colliery formerly owned by Mr. Evans and now operated by his son, Iestyn. Gwilym tries to organize a peaceful solution between the working men and the managers. Iestyn, now living in London with Angharad, receives death threats and sells the colliery in response. The colliery is then closed. Owen claims that the 400 men now out of work is “the beginning” (297). Even as people move away, others move in to replace them on lower wages. The village grows. Ivor enters the family home one evening bearing a letter. Gwilym reads the letter, which contains a “Royal Command” (298) inviting Ivor and his choir to perform for Queen Victoria. The family gives thanks to God and celebrates with the entire town. Reverend Gruffydd leads the celebrations. Ivor conducts his choir in a rendition of the national anthem. Gwilym commissions Clydach to make a special frame for the letter. Ceinwen seeks out Huw, attempting to set a date when he can take her to listen to the nightingales’ song. Huw is concerned that something bad is “going to happen” (302) concerning Ceinwen but he agrees to her suggestion, nevertheless. At school, he takes the university entrance examinations.