Blind Mice · Chapter
XXXIII explained
Nannie Merwent departs from Rosedene after her visit, with emotional farewells to John, Lucy, and Dimmie.
What happens
Nannie Merwent departs from Rosedene after her visit, with emotional farewells to John, Lucy, and Dimmie. Lucy reveals Nannie's impending marriage to Miss Powell, causing tension. John, distressed, volunteers for a business trip to Benton Harbor, leaving Lucy in tears. Jim Sprague, restless and conflicted, walks past the Winters' house late at night. Dimmie prefers kindergarten over staying home with his mother.
Themes in this chapter
Manipulation and Control
Nannie's emotional farewells and whispered promises to Dimmie about asking 'Papa' suggest ongoing manipulation of family bonds.
Marriage and Domesticity
Lucy's revelation of Nannie's marriage and John's flight from domestic tension highlight the complexities of marital and family life.
Mother-Daughter Conflict
The strained farewell between Lucy and Nannie, with Lucy's hard demeanor and Nannie's accusations, underscores their ongoing conflict.
Characters to notice
- Dimmie Nannie Merwent
Bids farewell to his grandmother, cries to go with her, and later insists on attending kindergarten despite Lucy's offer to stay home.
- Lucy Winter
Helps Nannie pack, reveals Nannie's marriage to Miss Powell, and is left tearful when John departs for a business trip.
- John Winter
Arranges transportation and buys gifts for Nannie's departure, is visibly emotional, and volunteers for a trip to Benton Harbor to escape his feelings.
- Uncle Jim
Observes John's distress at the office, later paces restlessly, nearly calls Rosedene, and walks past the Winters' house at night.
- Miss Powell
Joins the farewell at the station, congratulates Nannie on her marriage, and invites Lucy shopping.
- Miss Nannie
Says goodbye to Katy, gives John a rosebud, and departs by train after emotional farewells.
Key passages
““You are a hard woman, Lucy. Maybe we’ll never see each other again.” “I haven’t any hard feelings,” Lucy reasserted, staring over her mother’s head.”
Nannie accuses Lucy of being unfeeling, but Lucy claims she holds no resentment, avoiding eye contact.
Highlights the emotional distance and unresolved tension between mother and daughter.
““Mother is going to be married,” announced Lucy suddenly. Mrs. Merwent looked up quickly, then averted her face, and finally glanced at John. His air indicated that he was furious.”
Lucy abruptly reveals Nannie's engagement, causing Nannie to look away and John to appear angry.
Lucy's disclosure disrupts the farewell and exposes hidden family dynamics.
““Don’t forget me, dear John,” she murmured, sobbing a little. “And try to get along with Lucy, no matter how hard it is.” John thrust a slip of paper into her hand. “You can write me there, until I get a box number, Nannie,” he advised brokenly.”
Nannie tearfully asks John to remember her and to be patient with Lucy, while John gives her a secret address for correspondence.
Reveals the intimate bond between John and Nannie and his emotional turmoil.
““I’ll go,” repeated John. “You said yesterday that you ought to keep a close eye on that concrete work in the foundations of the other row of houses we’re building for Wilson. That’s more important than the stone.””
John insists on taking the business trip to Benton Harbor, arguing that Jim should stay for the concrete work.
John uses work as an excuse to escape his emotional distress after Nannie's departure.
