III: Thrift—and the Child explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Social Class and Wealth

  The sudden reversal of fortune and the precariousness of wealth, as well as the social standing of the de Barral family.

• Family and Parental Failure

  De Barral's neglect of his wife and daughter, and the governess's exploitation, highlight the failure of parental care.

• Deception and Illusion

  The public perception of de Barral as a promoter of thrift is contrasted with his actual helplessness and the fraudulent nature of his schemes.

Characters to notice

• Marlow

  Narrates the story of de Barral's downfall, reflecting on the nature of the man and the social context.

• Fyne

  Provides Marlow with the narrative of de Barral's financial collapse and its aftermath.

• de Barral

  His financial empire collapses, leaving him destitute and helpless, unable to care for his daughter.

• Flora de Barral

  The child affected by the ruin and her mother's death, left in the care of a governess.

• Mrs. de Barral

  Dies from neglect at the Priory, having been abandoned by her husband.

• Mr. Smith

  The governess who exploits de Barral's wealth and neglects Flora.

Key passages

• “perhaps; but that everything was over in just twenty-four hours is an exact statement.”

  The complete financial ruin occurred within a single day.

  Highlights the suddenness of de Barral's downfall.

• “He was a mere sign, a portent. There was nothing in him.”

  De Barral was an empty symbol of the times, lacking substance.

  Marlow's assessment of de Barral's character.

• “She was wrong. He came to the funeral, was extremely cut up, and holding the child tightly by the hand wept bitterly at the side of the grave.”

  Despite his neglect, de Barral showed grief at his wife's funeral, clinging to his daughter.

  Contrasts his emotional display with his previous abandonment.