# XXV explained — Daniel Deronda

> Chapter companion for Daniel Deronda by George Eliot.

## What happens

Lush observes Grandcourt's indecisive nature and attempts to gauge his intentions regarding Gwendolen. Grandcourt returns to Diplow, and Lush gathers information about Gwendolen's family misfortunes, uncertain how Grandcourt will react. The chapter explores Grandcourt's egoism and Lush's self-serving calculations.

## Themes in this chapter

### Power and Control

Grandcourt's egoism and Lush's manipulation highlight the dynamics of power and control in their relationship.

### Social Class and Privilege

The chapter examines class distinctions through Grandcourt's wealth, Lush's servile position, and Deronda's pride in his birth.

### Fate and Choice

Lush's uncertainty about Grandcourt's decisions and Grandcourt's fitful obstinacy reflect the interplay of fate and choice.

## Character check-ins

### Lush

Lush observes Grandcourt's behavior and plans to hinder a marriage between Grandcourt and Gwendolen, fearing trouble for himself.

### Henleigh Grandcourt

Grandcourt displays fitful obstinacy and egoism; he delays departure from Leubronn and eventually returns to Diplow.

### Gwendolen Harleth

Gwendolen is discussed as the subject of Grandcourt's potential interest; her family's misfortunes are noted by Lush.

### Sir Hugo Mallinger

Sir Hugo converses with Lush about Grandcourt's affairs and shows interest in the potential marriage.

### Lady Mallinger

Lady Mallinger has a brief interaction with Grandcourt, misinterpreting his seriousness as a lack of humor.

### Daniel Deronda

Deronda exchanges civilities with Grandcourt, feeling pride in not showing resentment over their relative positions.

## Key lines

> But to know Grandcourt was to doubt what he would do in any particular case.

Understanding Grandcourt meant being uncertain about his actions in any situation.

_Highlights Grandcourt's unpredictable nature._

> An imaginary envy, the idea that others feel their comparative deficiency, is the ordinary cortège of egoism.

Egoism is typically accompanied by the belief that others envy you.

_Reflects on Grandcourt's egoism and his perception of Deronda._

## Links

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