# VI explained — Basil

> Chapter companion for Basil by Wilkie Collins.

## What happens

Basil describes his domestic life in London after returning from the continent. He lives with his father and sister Clara, who is weary of London society and longs for the country. Basil is writing a historical romance and spends most of his time reading and writing, while Clara manages his study and arranges his books. They enjoy secret rides into the countryside, visiting inns that remind them of home. Basil's routine is abruptly changed by a mere accident that alters the course of his life.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family Duty and Estrangement

Basil and Clara's relationship with their father is distant; he is absorbed in parliamentary duties, while Clara feels obligated to attend social events she dislikes.

### The Ideal vs. The Real

Clara's ideal of country life contrasts with the reality of London society, and Basil's secret rides seek to recapture an idealized version of home.

## Character check-ins

### Basil

Returns from the continent, engaged in writing a historical romance, and describes his daily habits of reading and writing.

### Clara

Basil's sister, weary of London gaieties, longs for the country, and takes charge of arranging Basil's study.

### Ralph

Mentioned as Basil's father, who is engaged in parliamentary duties and sees little of his children.

## Key lines

> My father is engaged in his parliamentary duties. We see very little of him. Committees absorb his mornings⁠—debates his evenings.

Basil's father is busy with Parliament, so the family rarely sees him.

_Highlights the father's absence and the family's estrangement._

> She is wearied of balls, operas, flower-shows, and all other London gaieties besides; and heartily longs to be driving about the green lanes again in her own little pony-chaise.

Clara is tired of London's entertainments and wishes she were back in the countryside.

_Shows Clara's discontent with her social obligations._

> These excursions we keep a secret, we like to enjoy them entirely by ourselves.

Basil and Clara keep their countryside rides a secret because they enjoy them privately.

_Illustrates their desire to escape the expectations of their social circle._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/basil_se/chapters/part-i-vi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/basil_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/basil_se/chapters