The Wood at Midwinter

Merowdis Scot is the protagonist of “The Wood at Midwinter”. She is a complex and nuanced character who embodies the narrative’s main themes. At 19, Merowdis is defined by her rejection of societal expectations and her deep connection to the natural world. Clarke characterizes Merowdis as both saintly and otherworldly, a young woman whose visions and spiritual inclinations set her apart from her family and community. Her “sweet, clear, childish voice” (6), juxtaposed with her “long, pale, medieval face and plain way of dressing,” establishes her as a figure of contrast—youthful yet wise, humble yet extraordinary.

Merowdis’s sanctity is portrayed through her relationships with animals and nature. She does not prioritize humans over spiders, dogs, or pigs, which others, like her father, find baffling or irritating. However, this openness to all living things aligns her with the story’s exploration of interconnectedness. Her companions—Pretty, Amandier, and Apple—act as reflections of her thoughts and moral compass, emphasizing her reliance on the natural world for guidance rather than traditional human relationships.

Though she struggles with the pressures of societal norms, such as the expectation to marry George Blachland, Merowdis’s path ultimately leads her to embrace her role as a saint-like figure.