Daniel Deronda · Chapter
III explained
Gwendolen Harleth and her family arrive at their new home, Offendene.
What happens
Gwendolen Harleth and her family arrive at their new home, Offendene. Gwendolen surveys the house with an air of judgment, declaring it charming and romantic. She poses dramatically at the organ, but later discovers a hidden panel revealing a gruesome painting of a dead face, which disturbs her. The chapter also explores Gwendolen's past, including her selfishness as a child and her complex relationship with her mother. Later, Mr. and Mrs. Gascoigne visit, and discussions arise about Gwendolen's desire for a horse, which Mr. Gascoigne supports, seeing her potential for a good marriage.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Privilege
Gwendolen's sense of entitlement and her family's concern with maintaining appearances and securing a good marriage highlight class consciousness.
Marriage and Gender Roles
Mr. Gascoigne's discussion of Gwendolen's potential for a 'first-rate marriage' underscores the societal expectation that women marry well for financial security.
Sympathy and Moral Growth
Gwendolen's reflection on her past cruelty, such as strangling her sister's canary, and her attempt to make amends, hints at her capacity for moral development.
Characters to notice
- Gwendolen Harleth
Arrives at Offendene, judges the house, poses as Saint Cecilia, and is disturbed by a hidden painting. Reflects on her past selfishness and her desire for a horse.
- Mrs. Davilow
Gwendolen's mother, anxious about her daughter's opinion of the house, later discusses the expense of a horse with Mr. Gascoigne.
- Mr. Gascoigne
Gwendolen's uncle, who supports her desire for a horse and discusses her potential for a good marriage with his wife.
- Mrs. Gascoigne
Gwendolen's aunt, who expresses concern about Gwendolen's privileges compared to her own daughter Anna.
- Miss Merry
The governess, referred to as Jocosa by Gwendolen, who helps arrange Gwendolen's hair for her pose.
Key passages
“Imagine a young racehorse in the paddock among untrimmed ponies and patient hacks.”
Gwendolen stands out among her family members as a spirited and superior figure.
This metaphor emphasizes Gwendolen's perceived superiority and vitality compared to her more ordinary relatives.
“I think it is charming. A romantic place; anything delightful may happen in it; it would be a good background for anything.”
Gwendolen approves of Offendene, seeing it as a picturesque setting suitable for romantic adventures.
Gwendolen's approval of the house reflects her desire for a life of drama and romance.
“You have no feeling, child!”
Mrs. Davilow rebukes Gwendolen for her insensitive question about why she remarried.
This moment reveals Gwendolen's lack of empathy and her mother's hidden pain.