Daniel Deronda · Chapter
XLVI explained
Deronda prepares to reveal Mirah to Mordecai and arranges a new lodging for them near Mrs.
What happens
Deronda prepares to reveal Mirah to Mordecai and arranges a new lodging for them near Mrs. Meyrick. He persuades Mordecai to leave the Cohens and live with his sister, and Mordecai agrees, though with sorrow at parting from the family. Deronda then informs the Cohens of the change.
Themes in this chapter
Jewish Heritage and Nationalism
Mordecai's passionate commitment to Jewish identity and the fulfillment of Israel's destiny is central to the chapter.
Sympathy and Moral Growth
Deronda's compassionate care for Mordecai and Mirah, and Mrs. Meyrick's gradual acceptance, illustrate moral growth through empathy.
Characters to notice
- Daniel Deronda
Arranges Mordecai's move and reveals the plan to the Cohens.
- Mordecai Cohen
Agrees to leave the Cohens and live with Mirah, though with reluctance.
- Mrs. Meyrick
Helps find lodging and expresses mixed feelings about Mordecai's enthusiasm.
- Mirah Lapidoth
Referenced as the sister to be reunited with Mordecai.
- Cohen
The pawnbroker who hosts Mordecai; is informed of Mordecai's departure.
- Jacob Cohen
Alerted by Mordecai to fetch his father.
Key passages
“If anyone should importune me to give a reason why I loved him, I feel it could no otherwise be expressed than by making answer, 'Because it was he, because it was I.'”
The bond between Deronda and Mordecai is so deep that it defies explanation, rooted in an inexplicable mutual recognition.
Montaigne's epigraph frames the chapter's theme of profound friendship and spiritual kinship.
“The life of Israel is in your veins.”
Mordecai asserts that Deronda's Jewish heritage is an essential part of his identity.
This moment foreshadows Deronda's discovery of his Jewish lineage.
“I will accept what your loving kindness has prepared, and Mirah's home shall be mine.”
Mordecai agrees to move into the lodging Deronda has arranged, accepting the reunion with his sister.
Mordecai's compliance marks a turning point in the plot toward family reconciliation.