# The Proposal explained — Basil

> Chapter companion for Basil by Wilkie Collins.

## What happens

Basil formally asks Mr. Sherwin for Margaret's hand in marriage, proposing a secret courtship and marriage due to his father's prejudices. Mr. Sherwin is flattered but cautious, concerned about financial implications and Basil's family's reaction. Basil assures him of his commitment and suggests a private marriage as a strategy to eventually win his father's approval. They agree to meet again in two days.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Pride

Basil's proposal is complicated by class differences, and Mr. Sherwin's pride in Margaret's education reflects social aspirations.

### Secrecy and Deception

Basil proposes a secret marriage to hide from his father, highlighting the theme of deception.

### Forbidden Love and Marriage

The love between Basil and Margaret is forbidden by social norms, leading to a clandestine engagement.

## Character check-ins

### Basil

Proposes to Margaret, advocating for a secret marriage to circumvent his father's disapproval.

### Mr. Sherwin

Flattered by the proposal but wary of the secrecy and financial risks; negotiates terms.

### Margaret Sherwin

Discussed as the object of Basil's affection; her education and modesty are praised.

### Robert Mannion

Mentioned as Mr. Sherwin's confidential clerk, who has been tutoring Margaret in languages.

## Key lines

> I have not given him an opportunity. My meeting with your daughter has been kept a profound secret from him, and from every member of my family; and a secret it must remain.

Basil reveals that his father knows nothing about Margaret, and he intends to keep it that way.

_Highlights the secrecy theme._

> We must keep both the courtship and the marriage secret.

Basil insists on a secret engagement and wedding.

_Core to the plot._

> Her schooling alone was a hundred a-year, Sir, without including extras—

Mr. Sherwin boasts about the cost of Margaret's education.

_Shows his pride in her upbringing._

## Links

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