# II: The Fynes and the Girlfriend explained — Chance

> Chapter companion for Chance by Joseph Conrad.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/chance_se/chapters/ii-the-fynes-and-the-girlfriend
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