Chance · Chapter
II: The Fynes and the Girlfriend explained
Marlow recounts a late-night conversation with the Fynes about a young woman (Flora) who has run away with Captain Anthony.
What happens
Marlow recounts a late-night conversation with the Fynes about a young woman (Flora) who has run away with Captain Anthony. Mrs. Fyne reveals her radical feminist doctrine, which justifies a woman's disregard for others' feelings in pursuit of her own existence. Marlow learns that Flora is an orphan 'to a certain extent' and that her father is a 'savage sentimentalist.' The chapter also introduces the background of Captain Anthony, son of the poet Carleon Anthony, and describes the Fynes' marriage and family life.
Themes in this chapter
Gender and Women's Roles
Mrs. Fyne's feminist doctrine and her assertion that women need not consider others' feelings highlight the chapter's exploration of gender expectations and women's autonomy.
Family and Parental Failure
Carleon Anthony's tyrannical parenting and Flora's father's 'savage sentimentalism' illustrate the theme of parental failure and its impact on children.
Deception and Illusion
The Fynes' secretive handling of Flora's elopement and the 'false pretences' under which Marlow was drawn into the affair suggest layers of deception.
Characters to notice
- Marlow
Narrates the chapter, expressing surprise at Mrs. Fyne's doctrine and curiosity about Flora's background.
- Fyne
Endorses his wife's views, appears tired and solemn, and provides information about Flora's orphan status.
- Mrs. Fyne
Reveals her feminist doctrine, which prioritizes a woman's self-interest over consideration for others.
- Flora de Barral
Discussed as the girl who has run away with Captain Anthony; described as an orphan 'to a certain extent.'
- Captain Anthony
Mentioned as Mrs. Fyne's sailor-brother, son of Carleon Anthony, and the man Flora has eloped with.
- Carleon Anthony
The late poet, father of Captain Anthony and Mrs. Fyne, described as a domestic tyrant with a primitive temperament.
Key passages
“She was a profoundly innocent person; only it would not have been proper to tell her husband so.”
Mrs. Fyne was extremely naive, though it would have been rude to point that out to her husband.
Marlow reflects on Mrs. Fyne's innocence and the social tact required in his observation.
“Not for a woman.”
Women are not obligated to show consideration for others' feelings.
Mrs. Fyne's blunt response encapsulates her radical feminist stance.
“The order of the world was safe enough.”
Despite the shocking doctrine, Marlow reassures himself that society's stability is not threatened.
Marlow's internal reaction to Mrs. Fyne's ideas.
“He was a savage sentimentalist who had his own decided views of his paternal prerogatives.”
Flora's father was a harsh and overly emotional man who strongly believed in his rights as a parent.
Description of Flora's father, explaining the clandestine nature of her relationship with Captain Anthony.