# Chapter XXXIX explained — Daniel Deronda

> Chapter companion for Daniel Deronda by George Eliot.

## What happens

Klesmer visits the Meyrick home to hear Mirah sing, offering professional judgment that her voice is suited for private drawing-rooms but not for the stage. Meanwhile, Hans Meyrick's romantic interest in Mirah grows, and a discussion arises about the dress she will wear for her public performance, with Hans insisting she appear as a lady rather than a figure of charity.

## Themes in this chapter

### Art and Performance

Klesmer's professional evaluation of Mirah's singing underscores the tension between artistic ambition and practical limitations, as well as the role of performance in social identity.

### Jewish Heritage and Nationalism

Mirah affirms her Jewish identity in conversation with Hans, and the discussion of her dress for a public performance touches on how Jewishness is perceived and represented.

## Character check-ins

### Klesmer

Visits the Meyrick home to hear Mirah sing; offers a professional assessment of her voice, praising her musicianship but advising against a stage career.

### Mirah Lapidoth

Sings for Klesmer, demonstrating her talent; discusses her Jewish identity and the dress for her public performance.

### Hans Meyrick

Expresses romantic interest in Mirah; argues against her wearing a theatrical costume, insisting she dress as a lady for her public appearance.

### Mrs. Meyrick

Hosts Klesmer's visit; deliberates with Hans about Mirah's dress for the performance.

### Mab Meyrick

Present during Klesmer's visit; reacts emotionally to his praise of Mirah.

### Kate Meyrick

Present during Klesmer's visit; suggests Hans make a study of Klesmer's head.

## Key lines

> Let us shake hands: you are a musician.

Klesmer acknowledges Mirah's musical talent by offering his hand in congratulations.

_Klesmer's praise comes after a tense silence, relieving the Meyrick family's anxiety._

> Not for great tasks. No high roofs. We are no skylarks. We must be modest.

Klesmer advises Mirah that her voice is not suited for large concert halls or the stage, but only for private settings.

_Klesmer tempers his praise with a realistic assessment of Mirah's vocal limitations._

## Links

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