A Room With a View · Chapter
XI: In Mrs. Vyse’s Well-Appointed Flat explained
Lucy visits Mrs.
What happens
Lucy visits Mrs. Vyse's London flat, where she and Cecil grow closer. She receives a warning letter from Charlotte about the Emersons moving nearby, but Lucy dismisses her concerns. At a dinner party, Lucy plays Schumann instead of Beethoven, impressing Mrs. Vyse, who declares Lucy is becoming 'one of us.' Later, Lucy has a nightmare, and Mrs. Vyse comforts her.
Themes in this chapter
Class and Snobbery
Mrs. Vyse comments on Lucy purging the 'Honeychurch taint' and becoming 'one of us,' reflecting class distinctions.
Repression vs. Passion
Lucy's nightmare and her secret about the Emersons suggest repressed emotions beneath her composed exterior.
Characters to notice
- Lucy Honeychurch
Visits Mrs. Vyse's flat, receives a letter from Charlotte, plays Schumann at a dinner party, and has a nightmare.
- Cecil Vyse
Becomes more demonstrative with Lucy, discusses her music with his mother, and plans their January wedding.
- Mrs. Vyse
Hosts Lucy, praises her transformation, and comforts her after a nightmare.
- Charlotte Bartlett
Writes a warning letter to Lucy about the Emersons moving nearby.
- Miss Lavish
Reported by Charlotte to have seen George Emerson near Summer Street.
Key passages
“The Comic Muse, though able to look after her own interests, did not disdain the assistance of Mr. Vyse.”
Cecil helped arrange the Emersons' move, and fate seemed to cooperate.
Narrator's ironic tone about Cecil's role in bringing the Emersons to Windy Corner.
“Lucy was at first plunged into despair, but settled after a little thought that it did not matter the very least.”
Lucy initially felt upset about the Emersons moving nearby but convinced herself it was unimportant.
Lucy's internal conflict about the Emersons' proximity.
“Secrecy has this disadvantage: we lose the sense of proportion; we cannot tell whether our secret is important or not.”
Keeping secrets makes it hard to judge their true significance.
Narrator's reflection on the burden of Lucy's secret.