Doctor Thorne · Chapter
Will He Come Again? explained
Mary Thorne anxiously awaits news of Frank Gresham's return after a year's absence.
What happens
Mary Thorne anxiously awaits news of Frank Gresham's return after a year's absence. Sir Louis Scatcherd, in a drunken and violent state, is brought home by Dr. Thorne, causing distress. The next day, while the doctor attends to patients, Frank Gresham unexpectedly appears at Mary's home. They reunite emotionally, and Frank renews his proposal of marriage. Mary, though hesitant due to family opposition, confesses her love and agrees to be firm in their commitment, despite acknowledging that marriage cannot happen soon.
Themes in this chapter
Love vs. Duty
Mary and Frank grapple with their love for each other against the duty they feel toward their families, particularly regarding Frank's parents and Dr. Thorne.
Social Class and Marriage
The chapter highlights the class-based obstacles to Mary and Frank's union, as Mary is considered beneath the Greshams in social standing.
Addiction and Moral Decline
Sir Louis Scatcherd's drunkenness and desperate craving for alcohol illustrate his moral and physical decay, contrasting with the romantic plot.
Characters to notice
- Mary Thorne
Anxiously awaits Frank's return, struggles with fear of rejection and family opposition, ultimately accepts his renewed proposal.
- Frank Gresham
Returns to Greshamsbury after a year abroad, immediately seeks out Mary, declares his love, and proposes marriage again.
- Dr. Thomas Thorne
Deals with Sir Louis's drunken outburst, expresses despair over his charge's condition, but finds solace in Mary.
- Louis Scatcherd
Arrives in a violent, drunken state, is put to bed by Dr. Thorne, and later begs for stimulants in a state of weakness and misery.
Key passages
“Long before the doctor returned home after the little dinner-party above described, Mary had learnt that Frank was already at Greshamsbury.”
Mary found out that Frank was back at Greshamsbury well before Dr. Thorne came home from the dinner party.
Establishes Mary's anticipation and the timing of Frank's return.
“She continued to say to herself, that it would be better that they should be strangers; and she could hardly keep herself from tears in the fear that they might be so.”
She kept telling herself it was best if they acted like strangers, yet she was almost in tears at the thought that they actually might be.
Reveals Mary's internal conflict between resignation and hope.
“There he was, Frank Gresham himself standing there in her immediate presence, beautiful as Apollo.”
Frank Gresham suddenly appeared before her, looking as handsome as a god.
Highlights Mary's shock and admiration upon seeing Frank.
“I offered you my hand once before; there it is again. Will you take it?”
I proposed to you once before; I'm offering again. Will you accept?
Frank's direct and earnest renewal of his marriage proposal.
“I will be firm. Nothing that they can say shall shake me. But, Frank, it cannot be soon.”
I will stand strong. No one's words will change my mind. But we cannot marry quickly.
Mary's commitment to Frank despite acknowledging the practical obstacles.