IX explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Marriage and Domesticity

  Lucy's marriage to John Winter contrasts with Nannie's divorce and subsequent dependence.

• Mother-Daughter Conflict

  Nannie's bitter letter to Lucy and later forced reconciliation highlight ongoing estrangement.

• Manipulation and Control

  Professor Walsh manipulates Nannie's decisions, and Mrs. Lockhart controls Nannie's behavior.

Characters to notice

• Dimmie Nannie Merwent

  Divorced by Arthur, moves in with Mrs. Lockhart, seeks advice from Professor Walsh, and later writes to Lucy for reconciliation.

• Lucy Winter

  Marries John Winter, writes to Nannie about the wedding, and later invites Nannie to Rosedene after receiving her reconciliatory letter.

• John Winter

  Marries Lucy, begins business, and is present at the wedding.

• Arthur Merwent

  Divorces Nannie, establishes residence in state capital, cannot attend Lucy's wedding, later marries Mrs. Low.

• Miss Storms

  Hosts Lucy and John's wedding, develops friendship with Jim Sprague.

• James Sprague

  Witnesses Lucy and John's wedding, liked by Miss Storms.

Key passages

• “I am only your mother, so of course it would be preposterous to consider me in regard to the step you are taking.”

  Nannie sarcastically tells Lucy that her opinion as a mother is irrelevant to Lucy's marriage decision.

  Demonstrates Nannie's bitterness and sense of betrayal.

• “All the advice I can give you, Lucy, is don’t let your mother intrude on your happiness.”

  Arthur advises Lucy to keep Nannie from interfering in her marriage.

  Reflects Arthur's ongoing conflict with Nannie.

• “I am thrown on the world. Your father has deserted me and my own relatives have threatened to put me in the street.”

  Nannie portrays herself as abandoned and desperate to gain Lucy's sympathy.

  Shows Nannie's manipulative appeal for reconciliation.