Dangerous Ages · Chapter
VI: Jim explained
Jim visits and discusses Neville's struggles with her studies, revealing his belief that women cannot regain lost intellectual sharpness after motherhood.
What happens
Jim visits and discusses Neville's struggles with her studies, revealing his belief that women cannot regain lost intellectual sharpness after motherhood. Mrs. Hilary reflects on her past intellectual companionship with her husband and her children's dismissive attitudes. The chapter also touches on Nan's absence, Barry Briscoe's lingering feelings for her, and Mrs. Hilary's new interest in psychoanalysis after consulting Dr. Evans.
Themes in this chapter
Women's Roles and Identity
Jim argues that women cannot maintain intellectual sharpness after having children, while Mrs. Hilary and Neville grapple with their past and present intellectual identities.
The Passage of Time
Mrs. Hilary reflects on lost intellectual companionship with her husband, and Jim notes that Neville cannot regain the 'twenty years' lost to child-rearing.
Characters to notice
- Jim Kenrick
Jim discusses Neville's studies with Mrs. Hilary, expressing skepticism about women regaining intellectual prowess after motherhood. He later quizzes Neville on her work and shows affection for Gerda.
- Rosalind Hilary
Mrs. Hilary feels pained by Jim's mention of Neville, recalls past intellectual discussions with her husband, and shares her experience with Dr. Evans, seeking Jim's approval for psychoanalysis.
- Neville Bendish
Neville is studying for examinations, looking tired. She interacts with Jim, defends Nan's writing, and mentions Kay and Gerda helping Barry Briscoe.
- Gerda
Gerda is mentioned as helping Barry Briscoe with W.E.A. meetings in Guildford, and Jim remarks on her prettiness.
- Barry Briscoe
Barry is involved with W.E.A. meetings and is bringing Kay and Gerda to Windover. He is still hoping to see Nan, who is in Cornwall.
Key passages
“Her brain has lost its grip. She's not kept it sharpened; she's spent her life on people. You can't have it both ways—a woman can't, I mean.”
Jim believes Neville's intellect has deteriorated because she focused on family rather than continuous study, asserting that women cannot balance both.
Jim expresses a deterministic view of women's intellectual decline due to domestic roles.
“I know you children all think I'm a fool. But there was a time when I read difficult books with your father… he, a man with a first-class mind, cared to read with me and discuss with me.”
Mrs. Hilary feels her children dismiss her intelligence, recalling when her husband valued her as an intellectual equal.
Mrs. Hilary's nostalgia highlights her struggle with being undervalued by her children.
“If Nan doesn't mean to have him, she shouldn't have encouraged him. He was quite obviously in love with her.”
Mrs. Hilary criticizes Nan for leading Barry on without intending to marry him.
Mrs. Hilary comments on Nan's ambiguous relationship with Barry.