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.
