At the Gate of Samaria

At the Gate of Samaria is the story of Clytie Davenant's isolated country upbringing, rebellion from her family, and training as an artist at the Slade. She lives a bohemian lifestyle within the limitations of her community. Her family has a respected position in the small rural town of Durdleham and intends to maintain a good standard for the town's citizens. But Clytie feels like a misfit in her family. Instead of engaging in traditional female pursuits, she wants to become an artist. Unfortunately, she struggles for a long time before following her grand dream. Her poor choice of marriage has a significant effect on her art. This novel emphasizes the condition of women in marriage and the restrictive divorce laws. It shows the banishment that a woman faces if she leaves an unhappy marriage and lives under another man's roof.