# XXX: Containing a Love Letter explained — Can You Forgive Her?

> Chapter companion for Can You Forgive Her? by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

George Vavasor reflects on Alice's past words about love and duty, contemplates his own Bohemian views on marriage, and decides to write a letter proposing to Alice. He sends the letter on Christmas Eve after a coin toss, then spends Christmas Day collecting money for Burgo Fitzgerald from a moneylender.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Marriage

George Vavasor's internal conflict about marriage as a 'Siamese twin' bond versus his desire for Alice, and his proposal letter.

### Duty vs. Desire

Alice's past insistence on Glencora's duty to keep her promise contrasts with George's desire for independence and his proposal.

### Wealth and Financial Dependence

George's financial struggles, his reliance on Alice's money, and his transaction with Mr. Magruin for Burgo's bill.

## Character check-ins

### George Vavasor

Sits alone contemplating marriage, writes a love letter to Alice, and later collects money for Burgo Fitzgerald.

### Alice Vavasor

Recalled in George's memory for her past stance on love and duty; recipient of George's proposal letter.

### Kate Vavasor

Mentioned in George's recollection of a past conversation about Alice's views on Glencora's promise.

### Burgo Fitzgerald

Sends a note to George about a bill and money collection; George collects funds on his behalf.

### John Grey

Referenced as the man Alice broke her engagement with, and as a rival George wishes to best.

## Key lines

> If a woman won't venture her fortune for the man she loves, her love is not worth having.

Alice argued that a woman who refuses to risk her wealth for the man she loves does not truly love him.

_George recalls Alice's earlier words as he considers her willingness to support him financially._

> It is a thing terrible to think of, that a man should give permission to a priest to tie him to another human being like a Siamese twin, so that all power of separate and solitary action should be taken from him forever!

George views marriage as a horrifying loss of independence, comparing it to being physically bound to another person.

_Reflects George's Bohemian philosophy and his reluctance to marry despite proposing to Alice._

> I'll bet two to one that she gives way. Women are such out-and-out fools.

George confidently predicts Alice will accept his proposal, dismissing women as foolish.

_Shows George's cynical view of women and his manipulative approach to the proposal._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/xxx-containing-a-love-letter
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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters