Ellen confronts Grimes about John
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Britten's Peter Grimes: a beginner's guide

4. Ellen confronts Grimes about John
On Sunday morning, while most of the town is at church, Ellen talks with John, Grimes' new apprentice. She is horrified when she finds a bruise on his neck. When Ellen confronts Grimes about it, he brusquely claims that it was an accident. Growing agitated at Ellen's concern and interference, he strikes her and runs off with the boy. Photo © ENO/Robert Workman