Democracy · Chapter
Conclusion explained
Sybil writes to Carrington from New York, informing him that she and Madeleine have left Washington permanently and plan to go to Europe.
What happens
Sybil writes to Carrington from New York, informing him that she and Madeleine have left Washington permanently and plan to go to Europe. She recounts Lord Skye's ball, Madeleine's refusal of Ratcliffe, and a violent altercation between Ratcliffe and Baron Jacobi. Sybil also shares news of Victoria Dare's engagement to Lord Dunbeg. Madeleine adds a postscript expressing her disillusionment with American public opinion.
Themes in this chapter
Disillusionment with American Life
Madeleine's postscript expresses her belief that most Americans would consider her refusal of Ratcliffe a mistake, highlighting her disillusionment with public opinion and societal expectations.
Social Class and Snobbery
Victoria Dare's engagement to Lord Dunbeg for a title and income, and Sybil's observations about the Grand-Duchess's dowdiness, underscore the preoccupation with social status and European aristocracy.
Corruption in Democracy
The reference to Victoria Dare's father making money by cheating clients, and the general political intrigue surrounding Ratcliffe, reflect the theme of corruption in American politics and society.
Characters to notice
- Sybil Ross
Writes to Carrington from New York, describing recent events and future travel plans.
- Mr. Carrington
Recipient of Sybil's letter; Sybil hints he should try again with Madeleine after she returns from Europe.
- Madeleine Lee
Refused Ratcliffe's proposal; adds a postscript expressing bitterness about public opinion.
- The Honourable Silas P. Ratcliffe
Refused by Madeleine; involved in a violent confrontation with Baron Jacobi after the ball.
- Old Baron Jacobi
Struck Ratcliffe with his cane after the ball; reportedly being sent away or recalled.
- Little Victoria Dare
Engaged to Lord Dunbeg; writes to Sybil about Washington gossip.
- Lord Dunbeg
Engaged to Victoria Dare; described as having a coronet and a peat-bog.
- Mr. Hartbeest Schneidekoupon
Traveling to Europe with Sybil and Madeleine; promises to send his yacht to the Mediterranean.
Key passages
“The bitterest part of all this horrid story is that nine out of ten of our countrymen would say I had made a mistake.”
Madeleine laments that most Americans would judge her decision to reject Ratcliffe as wrong.
Reflects Madeleine's disillusionment with American society and its values.
“She says she has thirty thousand a year derived from the poor of America, which may just as well go to relieve one of the poor in Ireland.”
Victoria Dare's income comes from money taken from poor Americans, and she jokes that it might as well help a poor Irishman.
Highlights the corruption and cynicism underlying Victoria's marriage to Lord Dunbeg.