# VII: They Return explained — A Room With a View

> Chapter companion for A Room With a View by E. M. Forster.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_room_with_a_view_se/chapters/part-i-vii-they-return
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_room_with_a_view_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_room_with_a_view_se/chapters