Daniel Deronda · Chapter
VII explained
Gwendolen attends a fox hunt at the Three Barns, riding spiritedly and enjoying the admiration of Lord Brackenshaw and others, while Rex follows on his father's horse, falls, and injures himself.
What happens
Gwendolen attends a fox hunt at the Three Barns, riding spiritedly and enjoying the admiration of Lord Brackenshaw and others, while Rex follows on his father's horse, falls, and injures himself. Gwendolen returns home triumphantly with Lord Brackenshaw, and when her uncle reports Rex's accident, she laughs at the mishap, showing little concern.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Privilege
Gwendolen's participation in the hunt is influenced by class considerations, such as avoiding association with Mrs. Gadsby, a former kitchenmaid.
Marriage and Gender Roles
Rex's desire to propose to Gwendolen is thwarted by the hunt, and Gwendolen's lack of concern for his injury reflects her self-absorption and independence.
Characters to notice
- Gwendolen Harleth
Rides in the hunt, enjoys the excitement and social attention, laughs at Rex's accident.
- Rex Gascoigne
Follows Gwendolen on the hunt, falls from his horse, dislocates his shoulder, and is helped by a blacksmith.
- Lord Brackenshaw
Greets Gwendolen at the hunt and later escorts her home.
- Mr. Gascoigne
Rex's father, learns of the accident and observes Gwendolen's reaction.
- Mrs. Davilow
Gwendolen's mother, expresses anxiety about the hunt and Rex's injury.
Key passages
“Besides, she objected, with a sort of physical repulsion, to being directly made love to. With all her imaginative delight in being adored, there was a certain fierceness of maidenhood in her.”
Gwendolen disliked direct romantic advances, despite enjoying admiration, because she had a strong sense of maidenly pride.
Reveals Gwendolen's complex attitude toward romance and her desire for control.
“Gwendolen on her spirited little chestnut was up with the best, and felt as secure as an immortal goddess, having, if she had thought of risk, a core of confidence that no ill luck would happen to her.”
Gwendolen rode confidently at the front of the hunt, feeling invincible and immune to danger.
Highlights Gwendolen's self-assurance and lack of fear.
“But Gwendolen was apt to think rather of those who saw her than of those whom she could not see; and Rex was soon so far behind that if she had looked she would not have seen him.”
Gwendolen focused on the people watching her rather than on Rex, who quickly fell out of sight.
Illustrates Gwendolen's self-centeredness and lack of concern for others.
“Gwendolen rather valued herself on her superior freedom in laughing where others might only see matter for seriousness.”
Gwendolen prided herself on being able to laugh at things others took seriously.
Shows Gwendolen's rebellious and confident nature.