Can You Forgive Her? · Chapter
George Vavasor, the Wild Man explained
This chapter provides a detailed portrait of George Vavasor, his past, his character, and his current circumstances.
What happens
This chapter provides a detailed portrait of George Vavasor, his past, his character, and his current circumstances. It recounts his early career as a parliamentary land agent, his violent quarrel with his partner, his subsequent success as a wine merchant, and his eventual move into stockbroking. It also covers his broken engagement with Alice, his quarrel with his grandfather over the Vavasor estate, his failed parliamentary election, and the death of his heiress fiancée. The chapter ends with a conversation between George and his sister Kate, in which she urges him to pursue Alice again before she marries John Grey.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Ambition
George Vavasor's ambition to rise in business and politics, his status as heir to an ancient estate, and his radical politics illustrate the tensions between inherited status and personal ambition.
Wealth and Financial Dependence
The chapter details George's financial dealings, his attempt to raise money on the estate, his career as a stockbroker, and the death of his heiress fiancée, underscoring the importance of money and financial security.
Self-Deception and Moral Growth
George's character is portrayed as both ambitious and flawed, with a history of violence and broken engagements, yet he is also shown as a hard worker; the chapter leaves open whether he has truly reformed or is still self-deceived.
Characters to notice
- George Vavasor
The chapter's central focus, detailing his career, his violent temper, his ambition, his broken engagement with Alice, his quarrel with his grandfather, his failed election, and his current life as a stockbroker.
- Kate Vavasor
George's sister, who walks with him after dinner and urges him to pursue Alice, revealing her deep affection for both George and Alice.
- Alice Vavasor
Mentioned as George's former fiancée, now engaged to John Grey; Kate encourages George to try to win her back.
- John Grey
Mentioned as Alice's current fiancé, whom Kate assumes she will marry unless George intervenes.
- Mr. John Vavasor
Alice's father, who is consulted by the squire about the estate and is described as a man who would do no ignoble deed.
- Squire Vavasor
George's grandfather, who quarrels with George over raising money on the estate and ties up the property to prevent him from cutting trees.
- Mrs. Greenow
Kate's aunt with whom she is staying in London; the narrator suggests she is the best worth knowing among the Vavasors.
- Lady Macleod
Mentioned as having called George a wild man, a label Alice assented to.
Key passages
“He had, however, behaved very badly to Alice, and the match had been broken off.”
George had treated Alice poorly, leading to the end of their engagement.
Summarizes the broken engagement between George and Alice.
“He was a stockbroker, a thoroughgoing Radical, and yet he was the heir to a fine estate, which had come down from father to son for four hundred years!”
George combined the roles of stockbroker, radical politician, and heir to a centuries-old family estate.
Highlights the contrasting aspects of George's identity.
“I only love two people in the world; her and you. If ever you mean to try, you should try now.”
Kate tells George that she loves only him and Alice, and urges him to act now if he wants to win Alice back.
Kate's plea to George to pursue Alice before she marries John Grey.
