Can You Forgive Her? · Chapter
Aunt Greenow explained
Kate Vavasor spends three days in London before joining her aunt, Mrs.
What happens
Kate Vavasor spends three days in London before joining her aunt, Mrs. Greenow, in Yarmouth. Mrs. Greenow, a wealthy widow with £40,000, is determined to enjoy society despite her recent bereavement. She takes charge of Kate's social life, rebuffing Captain Bellfield's attentions and insisting on attending public events for Kate's benefit. The chapter explores Mrs. Greenow's character, her past as a flirt, her successful marriage to an old merchant, and her current independence, which allows her to defy societal expectations.
Themes in this chapter
Wealth and Financial Dependence
Mrs. Greenow's £40,000 gives her the freedom to ignore societal judgment and control her own social life, contrasting with Kate's dependence on her aunt's generosity.
Female Autonomy and Identity
Mrs. Greenow asserts her independence as a widow, managing her own affairs and making decisions for Kate, while Kate struggles with her aunt's control over her social life.
Social Class and Ambition
Mrs. Greenow carefully navigates social circles, snubbing Captain Bellfield due to his lack of means, and uses her wealth to secure her position.
Characters to notice
- Kate Vavasor
Accompanies her aunt to Yarmouth, resists her aunt's overbearing matchmaking, and is nearly thirty with a small fortune.
- Mrs. Greenow
A wealthy widow of forty with £40,000, she is determined to enjoy her freedom and manage Kate's social life, despite her recent bereavement.
- Captain Bellfield
A suspected former lieutenant who has sold out and is in debt; Mrs. Greenow disapproves of his attentions to Kate.
- Alice Vavasor
Kate writes to her about Mrs. Greenow's beauty and social activities.
- George Vavasor
Mentioned as having gone to Scotland for grouse shooting, but his movements are often secretive.
- Jeannette
Mrs. Greenow's maid, who makes a cheeky remark about morning contemplation.
Key passages
“I'm my aunt's, body and soul, for the next six weeks”
Kate declares she is entirely at her aunt's disposal for the coming six weeks.
Kate's commitment to accompany Mrs. Greenow to Yarmouth.
“An aunt with forty thousand pounds has a right to claim attention.”
George argues that a wealthy aunt deserves respect and companionship.
George's pragmatic view on family obligations tied to wealth.
“When a recently bereaved widow attempts to enjoy her freedom without money, then it behoves the world to speak aloud;—and the world does its duty.”
Society criticizes widows who seek pleasure without financial means, but Mrs. Greenow's wealth protects her from such judgment.
The narrator's commentary on the intersection of wealth and social propriety.