Crome Yellow · Chapter
VII explained
Mary consults Anne about her fears of sexual repression, using a pseudo-logical argument to justify seeking experience.
What happens
Mary consults Anne about her fears of sexual repression, using a pseudo-logical argument to justify seeking experience. She considers Gombauld and Denis as potential partners, while Anne remains amused and detached. Later, Mary visits Anne's bedroom to continue the discussion, revealing her anxiety over dreams of falling down wells and climbing ladders.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Sexual Repression
Mary's fear of repression and her logical justification for seeking sexual experience dominate the chapter, highlighting the theme of repressed instincts and their supposed dangers.
Intellectual vs. Physical Life
Mary's criteria for a partner emphasize intellectual interests and civilization, contrasting with the physical and instinctual drives she fears.
Self-Consciousness and Identity
Mary's self-analysis and her concern with symptoms like dreams reveal a heightened self-consciousness about her own identity and desires.
Characters to notice
- Mary
Expresses fear of sexual repression and dreams of falling down wells; debates the merits of Gombauld and Denis as potential partners.
- Anne
Listens to Mary's concerns with amusement and a tight cat's smile; refuses to advise on Mary's choice between Gombauld and Denis.
- Gombauld
Considered by Mary as a potential partner; described as having more talent but less civilised than Denis.
- Denis
Considered by Mary as a potential partner; described as more civilised but possibly a dilettante.
- Mr. Scogan
Mentioned as one of the three unattached intelligent men in the house, but dismissed by Mary as too much of a genuine antique.
Key passages
“I constantly dream that I'm falling down wells; and sometimes I even dream that I'm climbing up ladders. It's most disquieting. The symptoms are only too clear.”
Mary tells Anne that she frequently dreams of falling down wells and occasionally of climbing ladders, which she interprets as clear symptoms of sexual repression.
Mary's dreams serve as a central metaphor for her anxiety about repressed instincts.
“Gombauld has more talent, but he is less civilised than Denis.”
Mary compares Gombauld and Denis, noting that Gombauld is more talented but Denis is more civilized.
This comparison reflects Mary's prioritization of civilization and intellectual compatibility in a partner.
“One must do things logically. The question is now...”
Mary insists on a logical approach to resolving her sexual concerns, having already concluded that experience is necessary.
Mary's pseudo-logical reasoning satirizes overly rational approaches to human emotions.