# IV explained — Basil

> Chapter companion for Basil by Wilkie Collins.

## What happens

Basil recounts minor domestic disturbances with Margaret, including her insistence on a new dress and her petulant behavior, which he overlooks due to his love. He also describes his growing reliance on Mr. Mannion's secret influence to manage Mr. Sherwin and secure private time with Margaret, despite his initial hesitation.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Pride

Margaret's desire to emulate Basil's sister's dress and social standing; Basil's wish to keep Margaret from her own class.

### Secrecy and Deception

Basil and Mannion's covert manipulation of Mr. Sherwin; Margaret's hidden defiance.

### Forbidden Love and Marriage

Basil's secret marriage and the need to conceal it; his jealousy and protective measures.

## Character check-ins

### Basil

Narrator; observes Margaret's faults but remains devoted; reluctantly enlists Mannion's help.

### Margaret Sherwin

Shows willfulness and vanity; cries when remonstrated; indifferent to Mannion.

### Mrs. Sherwin

Weak and timid; tries to pacify Margaret.

### Mr. Sherwin

Obstinate about Margaret attending a ball; easily influenced by Mannion.

### Robert Mannion

Secretly manipulates Mr. Sherwin to benefit Basil; maintains a reserved demeanor.

## Key lines

> I tell you, mamma, I must and will have the dress, whether papa chooses or not.

Margaret insists on getting the dress regardless of her father's wishes.

_Shows Margaret's stubbornness and disregard for parental authority._

> The result was as immediate as it was conclusive. The very next evening, Mr. Sherwin came to us with a note which he had just written, and informed me that it was an excuse for Margaret’s nonappearance at the ball.

Mannion's influence quickly led Mr. Sherwin to cancel Margaret's attendance at the ball.

_Demonstrates Mannion's power over Mr. Sherwin._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/basil_se/chapters/part-ii-iv
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/basil_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/basil_se/chapters