Can You Forgive Her? · Chapter
LXXIX: Diamonds Are Diamonds explained
Alice and Kate arrive at Matching Priory for Alice's wedding to John Grey.
What happens
Alice and Kate arrive at Matching Priory for Alice's wedding to John Grey. Kate is nervous about meeting Grey and the Pallisers, while Alice is overwhelmed by the grand arrangements made by Lady Glencora, including bridesmaids and gifts. Lady Midlothian presents Alice with diamonds from the Marchioness and garnets from herself, causing Alice discomfort. Plantagenet Palliser gives a Sèvres china service and must leave for London. On the eve of the wedding, Alice and Lady Glencora walk through the ruins, reflecting on past events and Burgo Fitzgerald's fate. The wedding is magnificent, and Grey remains composed.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Ambition
Alice's discomfort with the aristocratic wedding arrangements and the presence of titled relatives highlights the pressures of social class.
Wealth and Financial Dependence
The gifts of diamonds, garnets, and Sèvres china underscore the financial dependence of Alice on the Pallisers' generosity.
Self-Deception and Moral Growth
Alice acknowledges her past folly and accepts the punishment of Lady Midlothian's lecture, showing moral growth.
Characters to notice
- Alice Vavasor
Anxious about her sudden marriage and the grand arrangements; receives gifts from Lady Midlothian and Mr. Palliser; reflects on her past folly.
- Kate Vavasor
Nervous about meeting John Grey for the first time and intimidated by the Pallisers' rank and wealth.
- Lady Glencora Palliser
Arranges the wedding with enthusiasm; gives Alice a Sèvres china service; walks with Alice in the ruins and discusses Burgo Fitzgerald's fate.
- Plantagenet Palliser
Gives Alice a Sèvres china service; called to London on business but regrets missing the wedding.
- John Grey
Staying at Matching before the wedding; remains calm and composed throughout the preparations.
- Lady Midlothian
Presents Alice with diamonds from the Marchioness and garnets from herself; lectures Alice.
Key passages
““I don’t care for diamonds,” said Alice. Then Lady Glencora took up the Countess’s trinkets, and shook her head and turned up her nose. “To me they are just as good as the others,” said Alice. “To me they are not, then,” said Lady Glencora. “Diamonds are diamonds, and garnets are garnets; and I am not so romantic but what I know the difference.””
Alice claims indifference to diamonds, but Lady Glencora dismisses the garnets as inferior, asserting a clear distinction in value.
Highlights the theme of wealth and social distinction through material objects.
““Do you remember that night we were here?” said Lady Glencora. “When shall I forget it; or how is it possible that such a night should ever be forgotten?””
Lady Glencora recalls a previous emotional night at the ruins, emphasizing its lasting impact.
Reflects on past events and emotional turmoil, linking to Lady Glencora's earlier struggles.