Can You Forgive Her? · Chapter
XXIX: Burgo Fitzgerald explained
Burgo Fitzgerald, a handsome but dissipated man, visits George Vavasor late at night to discuss his plan to win back Lady Glencora Palliser, now married to Plantagenet Palliser.
What happens
Burgo Fitzgerald, a handsome but dissipated man, visits George Vavasor late at night to discuss his plan to win back Lady Glencora Palliser, now married to Plantagenet Palliser. Burgo reveals his belief that Lady Glencora still loves him and that he could reform his life if they could be together, despite the moral and financial implications. George Vavasor listens skeptically, questioning Burgo's motives and the practicality of the scheme.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
Burgo's plan to elope with a married woman challenges conventional marriage bonds, while his belief in her love contrasts with the legal and social realities of marriage.
Duty vs. Desire
Burgo struggles between his desire for Lady Glencora and the moral duty to respect her marriage, though he ultimately prioritizes his own desires and hopes for redemption.
Wealth and Financial Dependence
The chapter explores the role of Lady Glencora's fortune in Burgo's motivations, with George Vavasor questioning whether Burgo would pursue her without her money, and Burgo insisting it is not his primary concern.
Characters to notice
- Burgo Fitzgerald
Burgo is the central figure of the chapter, plotting to rekindle his relationship with Lady Glencora Palliser. He is depicted as handsome but dissipated, drinking heavily and contemplating an elopement despite his self-awareness of his ruined state.
- George Vavasor
George Vavasor hosts Burgo in his rooms and listens to his plans. He is skeptical of Burgo's intentions, particularly regarding Lady Glencora's money, and engages in a cynical dialogue about morality and practicality.
- Lady Glencora Palliser
Though not present, Lady Glencora is the object of Burgo's schemes. Burgo believes she is unhappy with her husband and still loves him, and he recalls a brief conversation where she advised they should not meet.
- Plantagenet Palliser
Referred to as 'Planty Pall' by George Vavasor, he is Lady Glencora's husband. Burgo speculates that Palliser does not care for her and would not oppose a divorce.
- Lady Monk
Burgo mentions his aunt, Lady Monk, who he believes is encouraging his pursuit of Lady Glencora out of malice toward Plantagenet Palliser. He expresses hatred for her, calling her a 'wicked old woman.'
Key passages
“He was proposing to himself, as the best thing that he could do, to take away another man's wife and make himself happy with her!”
Burgo considered eloping with a married woman as his best option for happiness.
This highlights Burgo's moral dilemma and his reckless plan.
“I think he ran away with my wife,' said Burgo, with emphasis; 'that's the way I look at it. She was engaged to me first; and she really loved me, while she never cared for him.'”
Burgo justified his pursuit by claiming Lady Glencora was originally his and that Plantagenet Palliser had taken her from him.
Burgo rationalizes his intended adultery by framing it as reclaiming a lost love.
“If I could get her once, say to Italy, or perhaps to Greece, I think I could treat her well, and live with her quietly. I know that I would try.”
Burgo imagined that if they eloped to a foreign country, he could reform his behavior and live peacefully with Lady Glencora.
This reveals Burgo's fantasy of redemption through love, despite his current dissipation.