# The Rivals explained — Can You Forgive Her?

> Chapter companion for Can You Forgive Her? by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

At a seaside picnic and dance, Mr. Cheesacre and Captain Bellfield compete for the attention of the wealthy widow Mrs. Greenow. Cheesacre makes a direct proposal, boasting of his land and solvency, but Mrs. Greenow demurs, citing her late husband. Bellfield, despite being in debt, ingratiates himself through shared tasks and dancing. The chapter highlights the rivalry and the social maneuvering among the guests.

## Themes in this chapter

### Wealth and Financial Dependence

Cheesacre's proposal heavily emphasizes his land, solvency, and the financial advantages of marriage, while Bellfield's poverty is a point of contention.

### Love and Marriage

The chapter centers on courtship and marriage proposals, with Cheesacre's pragmatic offer contrasting with the widow's sentimental references to her deceased husband.

### Social Class and Ambition

Cheesacre's pride in his Norfolk farming status and his rivalry with the indebted Bellfield illustrate class dynamics and social climbing.

## Character check-ins

### Mrs. Greenow

The wealthy widow who is the object of both Cheesacre's and Bellfield's attentions; she manages the picnic with authority and gently rebuffs Cheesacre's proposal.

### Mr. Cheesacre

A prosperous Norfolk farmer who proposes to Mrs. Greenow, boasting of his land and lack of debt; he is jealous of Bellfield's familiarity with the widow.

### Captain Bellfield

A rival suitor who, despite owing Cheesacre money, assists with the picnic arrangements and dances with Kate Vavasor, irritating Cheesacre.

### Kate Vavasor

Present at the picnic; she dances with Captain Bellfield and is noted by Cheesacre as having 'literally nothing' in fortune.

### Charlie Fairstairs

A young lady at the picnic who comments on the music and arrangements.

## Key lines

> If you’d known Greenow, Mr. Cheesacre⁠—

Mrs. Greenow invokes her late husband to discourage Cheesacre's proposal.

_She uses the memory of her deceased husband as a polite refusal._

> Greenow was the early mangels; I’ll be the late turnips.

Cheesacre compares his rival to a failed crop and himself to a replacement crop.

_He uses a farming metaphor to suggest he can take the place of her late husband._

> There ain’t a bedroom in my house⁠—not one of the front ones⁠—that isn’t mahogany furnished!

Cheesacre boasts about the quality of his home's furniture.

_He tries to impress Mrs. Greenow with his material wealth._

## Links

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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters