Daniel Deronda · Chapter
LVIII explained
Rex Gascoigne struggles with his lingering love for Gwendolen after learning of Grandcourt's drowning.
What happens
Rex Gascoigne struggles with his lingering love for Gwendolen after learning of Grandcourt's drowning. The chapter contrasts his inner turmoil with the quiet, unchanged life of the Gascoigne family in Pennicote, and ends with Mrs. Davilow receiving the news of Grandcourt's death and preparing to travel to Genoa.
Themes in this chapter
Fate and Choice
Rex's internal conflict highlights the tension between fate (Gwendolen's new freedom) and his own choices (to suppress his love and pursue a legal career).
Sympathy and Moral Growth
Rex's shame at his selfish hopes and his struggle to maintain moral integrity in the face of another's tragedy exemplify moral growth.
Characters to notice
- Rex Gascoigne
Rex is deeply shaken by the news of Grandcourt's death, struggling with renewed hope and shame over his persistent love for Gwendolen.
- Gwendolen Harleth
Though not present, Gwendolen's freedom after Grandcourt's death is the central focus of Rex's thoughts and the family's concern.
- Mrs. Davilow
Receives the telegram about Grandcourt's drowning and prepares to travel to Genoa with Mr. Gascoigne.
- Mr. Gascoigne
Arranges to accompany Mrs. Davilow to Genoa; reflects on Rex's recovery and the family's reduced circumstances.
- Anna Gascoigne
Accompanies Rex to the rectory; concerned about Rex's emotional state upon hearing the news.
- Henleigh Grandcourt
Reported drowned; his death is the pivotal event of the chapter.
Key passages
“Who has been quite free from egoistic escapes of the imagination, picturing desirable consequences on his own future in the presence of another’s misfortune, sorrow, or death?”
Everyone has imagined how another's tragedy might benefit them, even if they feel ashamed of it.
The narrator reflects on the universal human tendency to selfishly imagine personal gain from others' misfortunes.
“Before the vision of 'Gwendolen free' rose the impassable vision of 'Gwendolen rich, exalted, courted;'”
Rex's hope that Gwendolen might now be available is immediately crushed by the reality of her wealth and social position.
Rex acknowledges the insurmountable social and economic barriers between him and Gwendolen.