# XLVI explained — Daniel Deronda

> Chapter companion for Daniel Deronda by George Eliot.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/daniel_deronda_se/chapters/xlvi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/daniel_deronda_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/daniel_deronda_se/chapters