How does Hill present Samuel Daily in The Woman in Black?

At first Samuel Daily was presented rather as an obvious inhabitant of a rural area as he was
first described as a big man, with a beefy face and huge, raw-looking hands; this could
imply to the reader that it was obvious Daily had worked physically in labour before due to
his rough hands. However, he had also made, or come, into money late and unexpectedly,
and was happy for the world to know it. This could indicate that to Arthur the narrator/writer
of the story that although Mr. Daily was stereotypically thought to probably work at a farm or
a small business of some sort, Dailys attire was rather of a wealthy appearance of good
quality clothing which may surprise Kipps to think that Daily had suddenly become rich and
has become successful. This was implied again when he had noticed his prominent, brandnew ring which glimmered to Arthurs attention, which suggests that Samuel Daily is a proud
man and isnt shy to express his wealth but also that it also has a newness to it; this could
indicate that Samuel had recently become really wealthy. This gives the reader the
expression that the fact that the locals in Crythin Gifford get annoyed when Daily drives
around in his motor vehicle which expresses the fact he is able to afford such advanced
technology during the 1900s and shows it off; this may contribute towards the reluctance of
the villagers to talk to Arthur as he is mostly seen talking to Samuel Daily to their dislike.
On the other hand, as Arthur was quite young and arrogant back then, which he also admits
as he claims he in my youthful and priggish way, summed up and all but dismissed him
which may symbolise the fact that the protagonist felt in a way superior compared to Samuel
Daily as he is a mere rural inhabitant of a village compared to a solicitor from London. This
also may foreshadow the fact that Daily had been judged too quickly due to his appearance
and odd accent, thinking that he is just a bumpkin but would later be involved in major
events which prove him to be useful and significant after all. Not to forget, even though,
Arthur was an adult, he had yet still not quite matured properly as he displayed these
negative traits; this shows that the events of Eel Marsh Houses hauntings and Crythin
Gifford has developed Arthurs character into not just a traumatised individual but also into a
serious, mature adult.
Samuel Dailys character is probably the most useful and significant minor character as he is
the only character helping the protagonist throughout the whole novella and the rest of the
villagers are keeping their mouths closed and are refusing to reveal any crucial information,
to Arthurs frustration of isolation, which is also known as Conspiracy of Silence. An
example of the conspiracy of silence is indicated when Arthur questions Jerome about the
sighting of the (At the time not realising it is the Woman in Black) sickly woman. Although,
Jerome doesnt reply at all, the atmosphere described as a silence so deep This
suggests the tight-lipped Jerome showing his reluctance to answer and a conspiracy of
silence. Because of Mr. Daily never leaving the protagonists side, Arthur Kipps manages to
piece the mystery of The Woman in Black together which proves him to be not only useful
but also incredibly loyal to his friend. I think that his trait of loyalty is portrayed through his
dog (Spider) who is lent to Arthur by Samuel Daily to protect him during his stay in Eel Marsh
House, even though Mr. Daily had a choice of not going through the trouble and not having
to actually do that. This was shown when he stated Take her, during a conversation with
Arthur continuing, Bring her back to me when you are done. Finally, as a dog is considered
a mans best friend, Samuel Daily gives his beloved dog to Arthur to borrow as he thinks
that he needs company. This suggests to the reader that not only is Mr. Daily thoughtful but
also the fact that he is concerned for Arthur, as hes going to spend 2 nights on his own in
Eel Marsh House, despite being quite sceptical towards the village rumours.
By Adschie