Can You Forgive Her? · Chapter
George Vavasor Takes His Seat explained
George Vavasor experiences the pride and disillusionment of entering Parliament as a new Member, guided by Mr.
What happens
George Vavasor experiences the pride and disillusionment of entering Parliament as a new Member, guided by Mr. Bott. He reflects on the cost of his seat, his moral compromises, and his debt to Alice. The chapter contrasts the ideal of parliamentary glory with the mundane reality, as Vavasor resolves to continue his political game despite inner doubts.
Themes in this chapter
Politics and Public Life
George Vavasor's entry into Parliament highlights the allure and reality of political ambition, the mechanics of party alignment, and the personal cost of public service.
Self-Deception and Moral Growth
George acknowledges his own moral failings and the price of his seat, yet resolves to continue, illustrating his self-deception and struggle with conscience.
Wealth and Financial Dependence
The chapter emphasizes the financial burden of George's seat, his debt to Alice, and the economic pressures that drive his political choices.
Characters to notice
- George Vavasor
Takes his seat in the House of Commons, feeling both triumph and disillusionment; reflects on his moral failings and the cost of his ambition.
- Mr. Bott
Acts as George's guide and political ally, introducing him to the House and discussing party alignment with Mr. Palliser.
- Plantagenet Palliser
Mentioned as a rising politician around whom a party is forming; leaves the House with Mr. Bott after the count-out.
- Alice Vavasor
George plans to visit her in Queen Anne Street to seek sympathy for his political success, though he knows she sees only the idealized version.
- Lord Middlesex
Referenced as an example of a struggling speaker in the House, envied by some but ultimately a figure of failure.
Key passages
“It is something to have sat in the House of Commons, though it has been but for one session!”
Even a single term in Parliament is a significant achievement.
Reflects the high value placed on being an MP, despite the brevity of the experience.
“No selection from the alphabet, no doctorship, no fellowship, be it of ever so learned or royal a society, no knightship—not though it be of the Garter—confers so fair an honour.”
Being an MP is a greater honor than any academic degree or knighthood.
Emphasizes the supreme prestige of a seat in the House of Commons in Victorian society.
“He had educated himself to badness with his eyes open. He had known what was wrong, and had done it, having taught himself to think that bad things were best.”
George deliberately chose to do wrong, rationalizing his immoral actions.
Highlights George's conscious moral corruption and self-awareness.
“The mere having it robs the diamond of its purity, and mixes vile alloy with the gold.”
Possessing a prize diminishes its value and tarnishes its perfection.
Illustrates George's disillusionment upon achieving his goal.