A Room With a View · Chapter
VII: They Return explained
After George Emerson kisses Lucy on the hillside, Miss Bartlett takes control, manipulating Lucy into agreeing to leave Florence immediately for Rome.
What happens
After George Emerson kisses Lucy on the hillside, Miss Bartlett takes control, manipulating Lucy into agreeing to leave Florence immediately for Rome. Lucy initially suggests speaking to George herself, but Charlotte's emotional manipulation and guilt-tripping prevail. Lucy promises not to tell her mother about the incident, and Charlotte intercepts George to ensure their departure. Lucy feels betrayed and confused, realizing she has been diplomatically outmaneuvered.
Themes in this chapter
Repression vs. Passion
Miss Bartlett's manipulation represents societal repression, suppressing Lucy's natural impulses and desire to confront George directly.
Gender Roles and Women's Autonomy
Lucy is treated as incapable of handling her own affairs, and Miss Bartlett's control reflects the limited autonomy afforded to women.
Self-Discovery and Growth
Lucy begins to recognize the manipulation and feels a desire to grow older and understand herself, marking the start of her internal journey.
Characters to notice
- Lucy Honeychurch
Lucy is emotionally conflicted and manipulated by Miss Bartlett. She initially wants to speak to George but is overpowered by Charlotte's guilt and control.
- Charlotte Bartlett
Charlotte takes charge, using emotional manipulation and martyrdom to force Lucy to flee to Rome. She intercepts George and solidifies her control.
- George Emerson
George is mentioned as the one who kissed Lucy. He is intercepted by Miss Bartlett and does not speak directly in this chapter.
- Mr. Beebe
Mr. Beebe is briefly referenced by Miss Bartlett as 'hopeless' in dealing with the situation.
- Mr. Eager
Mr. Eager is mentioned by Miss Bartlett as someone Lucy does not trust.
- Signora Bertolini
Signora Bertolini is mentioned as the pension owner who will be upset by their sudden departure.
Key passages
“She was in her cousin's power. She could not modulate out the key of self-abasement in which she had started.”
Lucy felt completely controlled by Miss Bartlett and unable to escape her feelings of humiliation.
Highlights Lucy's emotional subjugation and Charlotte's dominance.
“She had worked like a great artist; for a time—indeed, for years—she had been meaningless, but at the end there was presented to the girl the complete picture of a cheerless, loveless world...”
Miss Bartlett's manipulation was so skillful that it revealed to Lucy a bleak, joyless view of life.
Shows Lucy's dawning realization of Charlotte's calculated control.
“Lucy cried aloud: 'It isn't true. It can't all be true. I want not to be muddled. I want to grow older quickly.'”
Lucy desperately wishes to escape her confusion and gain the clarity of maturity.
Reflects Lucy's yearning for self-understanding and growth.