Daniel Deronda · Chapter
XXXIV explained
Deronda visits the Cohen home on a Friday evening, where he observes the family's Sabbath rituals and meets Mordecai, the enigmatic Jew from the bookshop.
What happens
Deronda visits the Cohen home on a Friday evening, where he observes the family's Sabbath rituals and meets Mordecai, the enigmatic Jew from the bookshop. He pawns his diamond ring for forty pounds, and resolves to learn more about Mordecai and the Cohens.
Themes in this chapter
Jewish Heritage and Nationalism
The Sabbath ceremony, Hebrew blessings, and the family's pride in their Jewish identity are central to the chapter.
Social Class and Privilege
Deronda's upper-class background contrasts with the Cohens' pawnbroker trade, and his ring serves as a symbol of wealth and exchange.
Sympathy and Moral Growth
Deronda's initial 'supercilious dislike' of the Cohens gives way to a more appreciative and curious attitude, marking a step in his moral development.
Characters to notice
- Daniel Deronda
Visits the Cohen home, pawns his ring, and observes the Sabbath ceremony.
- Mordecai Cohen
Present at the Cohen table, recites a Hebrew blessing, and exchanges fascinated glances with Deronda.
- Jacob Cohen
Barters a corkscrew knife for a hook knife with Deronda.
- Young Mrs. Cohen
Hosts the Sabbath meal, mentions her baby is named Eugenie Esther.
- Old Mrs. Vulcany
The grandmother, dressed in yellowish brown with a gold chain, listens with delight to the proceedings.
- Rebecca
Adelaide Rebekah, the little girl, stands on a chair during the blessing.
- Henleigh Grandcourt
Not present; only the ring mentioned as a pledge.
Key passages
“Er ist geheissen Israel. Ihn hat verwandelt Hexenspruch in einen Hund. ⋮ Aber jeden Freitag Abend, In der Dämm’rungstunde, plötzlich Weicht der Zauber, und der Hund Wird aufs Neu’ ein menschlich Wesen.”
He is called Israel. A witch's spell has turned him into a dog. But every Friday evening, at twilight, the magic suddenly lifts, and the dog becomes human again.
Heine's poem 'Princess Sabbath' sets the tone for the chapter's focus on Jewish Sabbath observance and transformation.
“I’ll shwop”
I'll swap.
Jacob's childish pronunciation as he agrees to exchange knives with Deronda.
“Charity! charity! he worked for me, and when he got weaker and weaker I took him in. He’s an incumbrance; but he brings a blessing down, and he teaches the boy.”
Cohen explains that Mordecai once worked for him and now lives with the family out of charity, despite being a burden, because he brings blessings and teaches Jacob.
Reveals Cohen's mix of kindness and practical justification.