A Pair of Blue Eyes · Chapter
Vassal unto Love explained
Elfride's devotion to Knight intensifies, but her past relationship with Stephen Smith begins to trouble Knight's jealous and introspective mind.
What happens
Elfride's devotion to Knight intensifies, but her past relationship with Stephen Smith begins to trouble Knight's jealous and introspective mind. A seemingly trivial incident over a myrtle plant leads Knight to question whether Elfride has had a previous lover, and his suspicions are confirmed when she admits to having loved Stephen. Knight's idealization of being her first love is shattered, causing him emotional pain and setting the stage for future conflict.
Themes in this chapter
Jealousy and Possessiveness
Knight's jealousy over Elfride's past lover consumes him, revealing his possessive nature and fragile ego.
Innocence and Experience
Knight's disillusionment upon discovering Elfride is not the innocent maiden he imagined; her experience with Stephen tarnishes her in his eyes.
Gender Roles and Double Standards
Knight expects to be Elfride's first and only love, yet he himself has no prior romantic experience; the narrative critiques this unequal standard.
Characters to notice
- Elfride Swancourt
Shows complete submissiveness to Knight, but is distressed when he questions her about her past with Stephen.
- Henry Knight
Becomes jealous and introspective after suspecting Elfride had a previous lover; his idealized view of her is challenged.
- Stephen Smith
Referenced as Elfride's former lover; the myrtle plant he gave her becomes a symbol of their past.
- Mrs. Swancourt
Makes a brief appearance, bantering with Knight about his changed views on love.
- Charlotte Troyton
Exchanges a pointed remark with Knight about his inconsistency regarding love and women.
Key passages
“Elfride clung closer to Knight as day succeeded day. Whatever else might admit of question, there could be no dispute that the allegiance she bore him absorbed her whole soul and existence.”
Elfride became increasingly devoted to Knight, giving him her complete loyalty and attention.
Establishes Elfride's total submission to Knight at the start of the chapter.
“It so happened that the myrtle which Knight had singled out had a peculiar beginning and history. It had originally been a twig worn in Stephen Smith's buttonhole, and he had taken it thence, stuck it into the pot, and told her that if it grew, she was to take care of it, and keep it in remembrance of him when he was far away.”
The myrtle plant Knight wanted was actually a gift from Stephen Smith, meant to remind Elfride of him.
Reveals the symbolic significance of the myrtle and triggers Knight's suspicions.
“I wonder if Elfride has ever had a lover before?”
Knight begins to question whether Elfride has had a previous romantic relationship.
Marks the turning point where Knight's jealousy and curiosity are awakened.
“Elfride, under Knight's kiss, had certainly been a very different woman from herself under Stephen's. Whether for good or for ill, she had marvellously well learnt a betrothed lady's part; and the fascinating finish of her deportment in this second campaign did probably arise from her unreserved encouragement of Stephen.”
Elfride's behavior with Knight was more polished because she had already learned how to act as a lover from her experience with Stephen.
Knight rationalizes his jealousy by attributing Elfride's charm to her past relationship.
“I did not love him as I do you. And could it be deeply if I did not think him cleverer than myself?”
Elfride admits she loved Stephen but insists it was not as deep as her love for Knight, partly because she did not admire Stephen's intellect.
Elfride's attempt to minimize her past love only partially reassures Knight.
