XIX explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Female Autonomy and Ambition

  Helen quits her job and asserts her independence, choosing to stay in her own house rather than return to Masonville, despite societal and personal pressures.

• Love and Sacrifice

  Helen and Paul's relationship is tested by her divorce proceedings and Bert's return, highlighting the sacrifices and emotional challenges they face.

• Isolation and Longing

  Helen feels restless and isolated after quitting her job, and her longing for Paul is tempered by the uncertainty of their future together.

Characters to notice

• Helen Davies

  Helen is preparing for her divorce, has quit her job, and is spending a happy but tense day with Paul. She reveals that Bert has returned.

• Paul

  Paul visits Helen, enjoying a joyful day with her but becomes concerned when she reveals she quit her job and later learns Bert has returned.

• Mason

  Bert is mentioned as having returned, causing tension between Helen and Paul.

• Mrs. Masters

  Helen anticipates facing Mrs. Masters's shrewd interest when she goes to Ripley.

• Mabel

  Mabel is mentioned as living with Helen's mother, along with the baby.

• Momma

  Helen's mother is mentioned as living in Masonville with Mabel and the baby.

Key passages

• “She would have no difficulty in getting a decree. “But can’t you charge something to make it more impressive? No violence? He never hit you or threw anything at you?” The lawyer’s eyes filled with a certain eagerness. Wincing, she told him with cold fury that she would charge nothing but desertion.”

  The lawyer suggests Helen add a more dramatic charge to her divorce petition, but she coldly insists on only citing desertion.

  Helen's determination to handle her divorce on her own terms, rejecting sensationalism.

• ““I wish I were doing something!” she cried.”

  Helen expresses frustration and restlessness with her current inactive life.

  Highlights Helen's desire for purpose and action after quitting her job.

• ““You certainly are a wonder, Helen!” Paul said, struck by its crumbling perfection. “Here we haven’t been in the house an hour, and with a simple twist of the wrist you give a fellow a dinner like this! Lucky we aren’t living a couple of centuries ago. You’d been burned for a witch.””

  Paul praises Helen's cooking, joking that her skill would have gotten her accused of witchcraft in earlier times.

  Shows Paul's admiration and the playful, affectionate dynamic between them.

• ““Left the office!” he exclaimed. “What for? When?” “The other day. I don’t know why. I felt⁠—oh, I don’t know. I just quit.””

  Paul is shocked to learn Helen quit her job, and she explains it was a sudden decision.

  Marks a turning point in the chapter, introducing tension about Helen's future.

• ““It’s going to be a long time,” he said. After a long moment he added gruffly, “I suppose you’ve⁠—begun the thing⁠—seen a lawyer?” “I’m going to, this week. I⁠—hate to⁠—somehow. It’s so⁠—””

  Paul acknowledges the long wait ahead and asks if Helen has started divorce proceedings; she admits she hasn't yet and finds it difficult.

  Reveals the emotional weight of the divorce and the strain on their relationship.

• ““No. I do want to. But there’s something I’ve got to tell you. He’s come back.””

  Helen confirms she wants the divorce but reveals that Bert has returned.

  Cliffhanger ending that introduces a major complication.