Daniel Deronda · Chapter
Chapter XXXI explained
Gwendolen Harleth marries Henleigh Grandcourt in a bright morning ceremony, appearing radiant and composed despite inner turmoil.
What happens
Gwendolen Harleth marries Henleigh Grandcourt in a bright morning ceremony, appearing radiant and composed despite inner turmoil. After the wedding, she receives a letter from Lydia Glasher hidden with the diamonds Grandcourt gave her, cursing her for breaking her promise and warning of misery. Horrified, Gwendolen burns the letter and has a hysterical fit when Grandcourt finds her.
Themes in this chapter
Marriage and Gender Roles
Gwendolen's marriage to Grandcourt is portrayed as a transaction of status and wealth, with underlying power dynamics and the threat of domestic control.
Sympathy and Moral Growth
Gwendolen's inner conflict and guilt over breaking her promise to Lydia Glasher foreshadow her moral awakening.
Power and Control
Grandcourt's silent dominance and Lydia's curse highlight the theme of power in relationships, both marital and extramarital.
Characters to notice
- Gwendolen Harleth
Marries Grandcourt, appears brilliant and excited but is inwardly disturbed by guilt and Lydia's curse.
- Henleigh Grandcourt
Bridegroom, calm and reserved; finds Gwendolen hysterical after she reads Lydia's letter.
- Mrs. Davilow
Gwendolen's mother, tearful and anxious at the parting.
- Mrs. Glasher
Sends a vengeful letter with the diamonds, cursing Gwendolen for breaking her promise.
- Anna Gascoigne
Bridesmaid, shows sadness at the wedding.
Key passages
“A wild dedication of yourselves To unpath’d waters, undreamed shores.”
A reckless commitment to unknown and uncharted futures.
Epigraph from Shakespeare, foreshadowing Gwendolen's uncertain and perilous marriage.
“She had the brilliancy of strong excitement, which will sometimes come even from pain.”
Her radiance came from intense emotion, which can arise even from suffering.
Describes Gwendolen's appearance at the wedding, masking inner turmoil.
“Truly here were poisoned gems, and the poison had entered into this poor young creature.”
The diamonds were truly poisoned, and the poison had infected this unfortunate young woman.
Metaphor for the destructive effect of Lydia's letter on Gwendolen.