Blind Mice · Chapter
XXXII explained
On Nannie's last day at Rosedene, tensions between her and Lucy escalate during packing, with Nannie accusing Lucy of scheming with Jim Sprague.
What happens
On Nannie's last day at Rosedene, tensions between her and Lucy escalate during packing, with Nannie accusing Lucy of scheming with Jim Sprague. John sides with Nannie, and a family dinner ends in conflict, culminating in Lucy fleeing the table in tears.
Themes in this chapter
Mother-Daughter Conflict
The entire chapter is a prolonged confrontation between Lucy and Nannie, filled with accusations, tears, and mutual misunderstanding.
Manipulation and Control
Nannie uses guilt, tears, and accusations to control Lucy and John, while John is manipulated into siding with her against his wife.
Marriage and Domesticity
John's alignment with Nannie over Lucy strains the marriage, highlighting domestic discord and the failure of marital solidarity.
Characters to notice
- Lucy Winter
Endures her mother's accusations and manipulation, defends Mrs. Hamilton, and ultimately retreats upstairs in tears after being ganged up on by John and Nannie.
- Dimmie Nannie Merwent
Nannie's aggrieved and manipulative behavior peaks as she prepares to leave, accusing Lucy of coldness and scheming, while cozying up to John.
- John Winter
Openly sides with Nannie, criticizes Lucy at dinner, and expresses regret over Jim Sprague's influence, showing his alignment with Nannie.
- Uncle Jim
Referenced by Nannie and John as having schemed with Lucy; John claims Jim has changed and is no longer a true friend.
- Dimmie Merwent
The little boy caught in the middle; Nannie wants him to stay home on her last day, and he asks if Mamma wants Nannie to go.
- Miss Powell
Mentioned as the only congenial neighbor Nannie has met; Nannie telephones her to say goodbye and she plans to see Nannie off at the station.
Key passages
““Let him stay home today, Lucy,” proposed Mrs. Merwent. “Why, he oughtn’t to miss a day,” Lucy objected. “Very well, if you dislike my seeing him my last day here!” Nannie assumed her most aggrieved air. “Let him stay,” John ordered shortly.”
Nannie guilt-trips Lucy into letting Dimmie stay home from school on her last day, and John overrules Lucy's objection.
Shows Nannie's manipulation and John's siding with her over Lucy.
““I don’t think he ever was a true friend to you, John.” “Well, I’ve got my eyes open at last, Nannie—thanks to you.””
Nannie sows distrust between John and Jim Sprague, and John credits her for opening his eyes.
Illustrates Nannie's successful manipulation of John's perception of Jim.
““I’m not quarreling.” “No, but you’re so hard, Lucy. You don’t seem to have a grain of affection in your heart.””
Nannie accuses Lucy of being cold and unaffectionate, despite Lucy's attempts to avoid conflict.
Highlights the emotional manipulation and the mother-daughter conflict.