# XXV explained — Cakes and Ale

> Chapter companion for Cakes and Ale by W. Somerset Maugham.

## What happens

Mrs. Driffield shows the narrator and Roy a portfolio of old photographs of Edward Driffield, including one of Rosie as a bride. The conversation turns to Rosie's character, with Mrs. Driffield and Roy criticizing her, while the narrator defends her, describing her as natural and affectionate. The narrator reflects on Edward's aloofness and the mystery of his inner life. Mrs. Driffield reveals that Rosie married Kemp and died about ten years ago, and that she never told Edward of her death.

## Themes in this chapter

### Memory and Nostalgia

The narrator's recollection of Rosie contrasts with the photographs and others' harsh judgments, highlighting the subjectivity of memory.

### Hypocrisy and Reputation

Mrs. Driffield and Roy's criticism of Rosie while the narrator defends her reveals the gap between public reputation and private reality.

### Love and Sexuality

The narrator's defense of Rosie's natural and unashamed sexuality contrasts with the conventional moral judgments of others.

## Character check-ins

### Mrs. Driffield

Shows old photographs and discusses Rosie's character, revealing her disapproval and her decision to keep Rosie's death from Edward.

### Roy Kear

Joins in criticizing Rosie, calling her 'a hefty wench' and laughing at the narrator's defense.

### The Narrator

Defends Rosie's memory, describing her as natural and affectionate, and reflects on Edward's inner aloofness.

### Rosie Driffield

Discussed through photographs and memories; the narrator remembers her beauty and kindness, while others criticize her.

### Edward Driffield

His photographs show his transformation; the narrator senses a hidden, lonely self behind his public persona.

## Key lines

> She was a very nice woman. I never saw her in a bad temper. You only had to say you wanted something for her to give it to you.

The narrator insists Rosie was kind and generous, always willing to help.

_The narrator defends Rosie's character against the others' criticisms._

> She gave herself as naturally as the sun gives heat or the flowers their perfume.

The narrator describes Rosie's sexual openness as natural and innocent, not immoral.

_The narrator's lyrical defense of Rosie's nature._

> I think that when he had exhausted an emotion he took no further interest in the person who had aroused it.

The narrator suggests Edward Driffield was emotionally detached once his feelings faded.

_Reflecting on Edward's personality and his relationship with Rosie._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cakes_and_ale_se/chapters/xxv
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cakes_and_ale_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cakes_and_ale_se/chapters