Figures of Earth · Chapter
XXXIV: Farewell to Alianora explained
Dom Manuel travels to England to visit Queen Alianora, who asks him to transfer the stork's promissory note for a baby boy from his wife Niafer to her, so she can provide an heir for the English throne.
What happens
Dom Manuel travels to England to visit Queen Alianora, who asks him to transfer the stork's promissory note for a baby boy from his wife Niafer to her, so she can provide an heir for the English throne. Manuel reluctantly agrees, citing his debt to her for saving his life, but refuses to stay as her lover. He returns to Poictesme and recounts the visit to Niafer, who is initially suspicious but eventually mollified by Manuel's dismissive remarks about Alianora's appearance. The chapter ends with Alianora receiving the son and never seeing Manuel again.
Themes in this chapter
The Geas of Obligation
Manuel is bound by his debt to Alianora for saving his life, compelling him to transfer the stork's note despite his personal grief.
Love and Disillusionment
Alianora's romantic overtures are rejected by Manuel, and Niafer's jealousy gives way to a pragmatic view of her husband's foolishness.
Appearances vs. Reality
Manuel's diplomatic account of Alianora's appearance and the gossip about her magic and dyed hair contrast with the underlying emotional truths.
Characters to notice
- Dom Manuel
Travels to England to fulfill an obligation to Alianora; negotiates the transfer of the stork's note for a baby boy; returns to Poictesme and recounts the visit to Niafer.
- Alianora
Queen of England, desperate for an heir; asks Manuel to give her the promissory note for a boy baby; tries to persuade Manuel to stay as her lover but is refused.
- Niafer
Manuel's wife; listens to his account of the visit with skepticism and jealousy, but is eventually mollified by his dismissive comments about Alianora's looks.
- Emmerick
Mentioned as Manuel and Niafer's son, who inherits his father's obstinacy.
Key passages
“So that was what Dame Alianora had wanted. (“I knew that all along,” observed Dame Niafer—untruthfully, but adhering to her general theory that it was better to appear omniscient in dealing with one’s husband.)”
Niafer pretends she already knew Alianora's true motive, following her belief that a wife should seem all-knowing with her husband.
Highlights Niafer's strategic self-presentation in her marriage.
““It is considered not to look at all well, after three years of marriage,” the Queen told him, “and people are beginning to say a number of unkind things.””
Alianora explains that her failure to produce an heir after three years is causing scandal and criticism.
Reflects the social pressure on queens to bear children.
““Ah, my dear,” says Manuel, diplomatically, “I did not like to speak of that, I confess, for you know these blondes go off in their appearance so quickly—””
Manuel tactfully suggests that Alianora's looks have faded, flattering Niafer by contrast.
Shows Manuel's skill in managing his wife's jealousy.