He Knew He Was Right · Chapter
Showing How the Quarrel Progressed explained
Trevelyan returns home to find a letter from his wife containing an opened note from Colonel Osborne, which exacerbates his jealousy and sense of betrayal.
What happens
Trevelyan returns home to find a letter from his wife containing an opened note from Colonel Osborne, which exacerbates his jealousy and sense of betrayal. He reflects on his generosity and her perceived ingratitude, while Emily confides in Nora about the powerlessness of women in marriage and fears losing her child. The chapter deepens the marital rift as Trevelyan struggles with how to assert his authority.
Themes in this chapter
Marital Jealousy and Possessiveness
Trevelyan's reaction to Colonel Osborne's letter shows his obsessive need for exclusive control over Emily's affections and correspondence.
Gender Roles and Power in Marriage
Emily's lament about the powerlessness of women and Trevelyan's insistence on being 'master' highlight the unequal dynamics of Victorian marriage.
Pride and Stubbornness
Both Trevelyan and Emily refuse to yield—he demands a promise she will not give, and she defies his authority, escalating the conflict.
Social Reputation and Gossip
Trevelyan is tormented by the thought of whispers and Lady Milborough's caution, showing how public perception drives his actions.
Characters to notice
- Louis Trevelyan
Finds Colonel Osborne's letter to Emily, becomes increasingly possessive and resentful, recites his grievances, and resolves to assert his mastery.
- Emily Trevelyan
Sends the opened letter to her husband, laments the plight of women, fears losing her child, and expresses bitterness about marriage.
- Nora Rowley
Listens to Emily's complaints, delivers the letter to Trevelyan's table, and declares she will not marry Mr. Glascock.
- Colonel Osborne
His letter to Emily, addressing her as 'Dear Emily,' triggers Trevelyan's anger and is the immediate cause of the quarrel's escalation.
- Lady Milborough
Mentioned by Trevelyan as having cautioned him about his wife, reinforcing his sense of public shame.
- Sir Marmaduke Rowley
Referenced as having been sent for from the Colonial Office; Trevelyan regrets marrying into his family.
- Louey
Emily's child, whom she holds and fears losing in a potential separation.
Key passages
“It is a very poor thing to be a woman”
Emily expresses the hardship of being a woman, feeling trapped and powerless.
Reflects her despair over marital inequality and fear of losing her child.
“He was her master, and she must know that he was her master.”
Trevelyan believes he must assert his authority over Emily to maintain control.
Highlights the theme of gender roles and power in marriage.
“Of course you will tell T. now.”
Colonel Osborne assumes Emily will inform Trevelyan about Sir Marmaduke's recall.
This line fuels Trevelyan's jealousy, as it implies a secret understanding between Osborne and Emily.