He Knew He Was Right · Chapter
LVI: Withered Grass explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Glascock, contemplating marriage to Caroline Spalding, is repelled by the ferocity of her friend Miss Petrie, who denounces him as 'withered grass.' Despite his attraction to Caroline, he fears the social and familial complications of an American match. Caroline herself wrestles with doubts about marrying into English aristocracy, while Miss Petrie continues her anti-aristocratic diatribes.
Themes in this chapter
Class and Professional Identity
Mr. Glascock's hesitation to marry Caroline Spalding is rooted in class anxieties, fearing the incompatibility of American and English social worlds.
Pride and Stubbornness
Both Mr. Glascock and Caroline Spalding grapple with pride—his in his social position, hers in her independence—preventing a straightforward romantic resolution.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Glascock
Struggles with his desire to marry Caroline Spalding, deterred by Miss Petrie's hostility and the potential social pitfalls.
- Caroline Spalding
Reflects on the risks of marrying an English lord, fearing disdain from his family and longing for equality.
- Miss Wallachia Petrie
Vehemently denounces Mr. Glascock as a 'withered grass' and embodies anti-aristocratic sentiment.
- Mrs. Spalding
Attempts to promote Caroline to Mr. Glascock, but her angling is transparent and unwelcome.
- Olivia Spalding
Discusses Miss Petrie with Mr. Glascock, inadvertently revealing her sister's close association with the poetess.
Key passages
“The personal incivility of which she had been guilty in calling him a withered grass was distasteful to him, as being opposed to his ideas of the customs of society; but what would be his fate if his wife’s chosen friend should be forever dinning her denunciation of withered grasses into his ear?”
Mr. Glascock finds Miss Petrie's insult rude, but fears even more that if he marries Caroline, such attacks might become a constant part of his life.
Highlights Mr. Glascock's fear of being trapped in a marriage with an undesirable social circle.
“How grand a thing it is, to be equal with those whom you love!”
Caroline Spalding values equality in relationships above social advancement.
Reflects Caroline's internal conflict between love and the fear of social inferiority.