Dr. Wortle’s School · Chapter
Mr. Peacocke Goes explained
Dr.
What happens
Dr. Wortle, though initially angered by his wife and Mr. Puddicombe, is deeply affected by their counsel that Mr. Peacocke must leave. A chance word from Robert Lefroy suggests that his brother Ferdinand might be dead, sparking a plan in the Doctor's mind. Despite Mr. Puddicombe's insistence that the Peacockes must part and leave, Dr. Wortle is determined to find a way to make things right. He arranges for Mr. Peacocke to travel to America with Robert Lefroy to obtain evidence of Ferdinand's death. The Doctor finances the journey, and Mr. Peacocke departs, leaving his wife under Dr. Wortle's protection. The chapter also touches on Mrs. Wortle's anxieties about Lord Carstairs's growing attachment to Mary.
Themes in this chapter
Social Reputation and Scandal
The chapter is driven by the need to manage the scandal of the Peacockes' situation. Dr. Wortle's primary concern is to find a way to resolve the issue that will restore their respectability, while Mr. Puddicombe argues for a strict adherence to moral law, even if it means social ruin.
Loyalty and Friendship
Dr. Wortle's loyalty to Mr. Peacocke is evident as he devises a plan and finances the journey to America. Their parting is described as a parting of 'dear friends', highlighting the deep bond between them.
Integrity and Conscience
The chapter explores the conflict between Dr. Wortle's personal conscience, which sympathizes with the Peacockes, and the strict moral dictates of society as represented by Mr. Puddicombe. The Doctor's plan is an attempt to reconcile his conscience with the need for social propriety.
Characters to notice
- Dr. Wortle
Despite his initial anger, he is convinced by the arguments of his wife and Mr. Puddicombe that Mr. Peacocke must go. He secretly hopes that Ferdinand Lefroy is dead and devises a plan for Mr. Peacocke to travel to America to find evidence. He provides the money for the journey.
- Mr. Peacocke
Agrees to leave the school and travel to America with Robert Lefroy to find evidence about his brother's fate. He is deeply grateful to Dr. Wortle for his support and protection of his wife.
- Robert Lefroy
Hints that his brother Ferdinand might be dead, but refuses to confirm it. He agrees to travel with Mr. Peacocke to America for a thousand dollars, though his word is not trusted.
- Mrs. Wortle
Deeply disturbed by the scandal, she is unable to attend church. She is also worried about the growing attachment between Lord Carstairs and her daughter, Mary.
- Mr. Puddicombe
His cold logic and advice that the Peacockes must part and leave the school have a profound effect on Dr. Wortle, even though the Doctor resents him for it.
- Mary Wortle
Walks home from church with Lord Carstairs, unaware of her mother's anxieties about their relationship.
Key passages
“The Doctor had been all but savage with his wife, and, for the moment, had hated Mr. Puddicombe, but still what they said had affected him.”
Although Dr. Wortle was furious with his wife and disliked Mr. Puddicombe's advice, he couldn't ignore the truth in their words.
Shows the Doctor's internal conflict between his emotions and his reason.
“If it were so, then might not all these crooked things be made straight?”
If Ferdinand Lefroy was indeed dead, perhaps all their problems could be resolved.
Reveals the Doctor's hope and his plan to find a solution.
“You'll have to keep a close watch upon him.”
You will need to be very careful and vigilant with him.
The Doctor's warning to Mr. Peacocke about Robert Lefroy's untrustworthiness.
