A Pair of Blue Eyes · Chapter
XXXIX explained
Knight and Stephen, both traveling to Endelstow to propose to Elfride, confront each other on the train and argue bitterly over who has the right to her love.
What happens
Knight and Stephen, both traveling to Endelstow to propose to Elfride, confront each other on the train and argue bitterly over who has the right to her love. Their rivalry is interrupted when they witness a funeral procession and learn that Elfride has died, leaving both men devastated.
Themes in this chapter
Jealousy and Possessiveness
Both Knight and Stephen display intense jealousy and possessiveness over Elfride, arguing bitterly about who has the greater claim to her love.
Fate and Coincidence
The two rivals unknowingly board the same train and later witness Elfride's funeral, a cruel twist of fate that ends their rivalry.
Characters to notice
- Stephen Smith
Travels to Endelstow a day early, hoping to win Elfride back, but is devastated when he learns of her death.
- Henry Knight
Also travels to Endelstow to propose to Elfride, engages in a heated argument with Stephen, and is shattered by the news of her death.
- Mr. Swancourt
Seen as part of the funeral procession, looking much older, and identified as the father of the deceased lady.
Key passages
““I am going to Endelstow to see if Elfride Swancourt is still free; and if so, to ask her to be my wife.” “So am I,” said Stephen Smith.”
Knight announces his intention to propose to Elfride, and Stephen reveals he has the same plan.
This moment establishes the central conflict of the chapter: both men are rivals for Elfride's hand.
““First love is deepest; and that was mine.””
Stephen argues that his earlier relationship with Elfride gives him a stronger claim to her affections.
Stephen appeals to the idea that first love is more profound, asserting his prior connection to Elfride.
““What has Mr. Swancourt to do with that funeral?” “He is the lady’s father,” said the bystander. “What lady’s father?” said Knight, in a voice so hollow that the man stared at him. “The father of the lady in the coffin. She died in London, you know, and has been brought here by this train. She is to be taken home tonight, and buried tomorrow.””
Knight asks about the funeral and learns that the deceased is Elfride, leaving him and Stephen in shock.
This revelation ends the rivalry abruptly, as both men realize Elfride is dead.