Can You Forgive Her? · Chapter
XX: Which Shall It Be? explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Cheesacre proposes to Mrs. Greenow at her lodging-house in the Close, but she declines, citing her recent widowhood. The next day, a Sunday dinner is held with Captain Bellfield and Charlie Fairstairs, during which they toast Cheesacre. In the evening, while Kate and Charlie attend church, Mrs. Greenow stays behind with Captain Bellfield, who also proposes to her, but she rebuffs him as well, maintaining her widow's decorum.
Themes in this chapter
Wealth and Financial Dependence
Mr. Cheesacre emphasizes his financial stability and offers material wealth (Oileymead, a pony carriage) as part of his marriage proposal, highlighting the economic considerations in courtship.
Duty vs. Desire
Mrs. Greenow struggles between her duty to mourn her late husband and the desire for companionship, rejecting both suitors on the grounds of her recent widowhood.
Self-Deception and Moral Growth
Captain Bellfield exaggerates his military exploits (e.g., claiming to have stormed Inkerman) to impress Mrs. Greenow, revealing self-deception about his past.
Characters to notice
- Mrs. Greenow
Receives proposals from both Mr. Cheesacre and Captain Bellfield, but rejects both, citing her recent widowhood.
- Mr. Cheesacre
Proposes to Mrs. Greenow, offering his estate and a pony carriage, but is refused.
- Captain Bellfield
Proposes to Mrs. Greenow during a private evening, claiming heroic military service, but is also refused.
- Kate Vavasor
Attends Sunday dinner and evening church with Charlie Fairstairs.
- Charlie Fairstairs
Joins the Sunday dinner and goes to church with Kate.
- Jeannette
Announces Captain Bellfield's arrival and later is summoned to prepare tea.
Key passages
“All I want is a mistress for it. And there’s only one woman on earth that I would wish to see in that position. Arabella Greenow, will you be that woman?”
Mr. Cheesacre proposes marriage to Mrs. Greenow, offering her the role of mistress of his home.
Cheesacre's direct proposal, emphasizing his desire for a wife to manage his household.
“I am planted here till some answer shall have been made to me; till some word shall have been said that may give me a little hope.”
Captain Bellfield refuses to move until Mrs. Greenow gives him some encouragement in his proposal.
Bellfield's dramatic persistence during his proposal, kneeling before her.