A Popular Schoolgirl · Chapter
XIII: Quenrede Comes Out explained
The Saxon family spends their first Christmas together at the bungalow, struggling with their reduced circumstances.
What happens
The Saxon family spends their first Christmas together at the bungalow, struggling with their reduced circumstances. Quenrede prepares for her 'coming out' at Mrs. Desmond's dance, but her homemade dress and shyness make the evening difficult. She finds solace in a conversation with Mr. Broughten in the conservatory, and later returns home to share her experiences with Ingred.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Status
Quenrede's disappointment with her homemade dress and the loss of Rotherwood highlight the family's changed social standing.
Resilience in Adversity
Mrs. Saxon encourages the family to find happiness despite their hardships, and Quenrede tries to keep her disappointment hidden.
Community and Belonging
Quenrede feels out of place at the dance but finds a connection with Mr. Broughten, a fellow outsider.
Characters to notice
- Quenrede Saxon
Struggles with shyness and disappointment at her coming-out dance, but finds comfort in a conversation with Mr. Broughten.
- Ingred Saxon
Helps Quenrede prepare for the dance and waits up to hear about the evening.
- Mrs. Saxon
Encourages the family to make the best of their situation and helps Quenrede with her dress.
- Mr. Saxon
Temporarily forgets his worries during Christmas tea, reminiscing about France.
- Egbert
Complains about the lack of amenities at the bungalow and attends the dance with Quenrede.
- Athelstane
Grumble about his studies and attends the dance, looking solemn.
Key passages
“If we'd been living in Grovebury, we should probably have taken a jaunt to Wynch-on-the-Wold as a special treat. Let us think ourselves lucky in being on the spot and only having to turn out of our own door to be at once in such lovely scenery.”
Mrs. Saxon suggests that instead of missing their old home, they should appreciate the beauty of the moors right outside their door.
Mrs. Saxon's attempt to reframe their situation positively.
“Life's mostly what we make it. After all, what we think we want doesn't always give the greatest happiness. Suppose each of us tries to let this be the best year we've ever had?”
Mother advises the family that happiness comes from attitude, not material wealth, and challenges them to make the new year their best yet.
Mother's encouragement to the grumbling family.
“To make her first grownup appearance at Mrs. Desmond's dance and in a homemade dress seemed not so much a 'coming out' as an 'oozing out.'”
Quenrede feels that her debut is underwhelming and embarrassing compared to her earlier dreams.
Quenrede's disappointment with her social debut.