He Knew He Was Right · Chapter
Hard Words explained
Colonel Osborne's note to Emily Trevelyan, prompted by her husband's jealousy, leads to a confrontation where Louis Trevelyan demands she cease all contact with Osborne.
What happens
Colonel Osborne's note to Emily Trevelyan, prompted by her husband's jealousy, leads to a confrontation where Louis Trevelyan demands she cease all contact with Osborne. Emily refuses to promise obedience, and Trevelyan threatens separation.
Themes in this chapter
Marital Jealousy and Possessiveness
Trevelyan's jealousy of Colonel Osborne drives the chapter's conflict, leading to demands and threats of separation.
Gender Roles and Power in Marriage
Trevelyan asserts his authority as husband, commanding Emily to cease contact with Osborne, while Emily resists, asserting her own agency.
Characters to notice
- Colonel Osborne
Writes a playful note to Emily Trevelyan, enjoying the excitement of being the cause of marital discord.
- Emily Trevelyan
Receives Osborne's note and replies defiantly, then confronts her husband, refusing to obey his commands.
- Louis Trevelyan
Discovers Emily's letter to Osborne, confronts her, and issues ultimatums, ultimately threatening separation.
- Nora Rowley
Briefly present in the drawing-room but asked to leave by Trevelyan so he can speak privately with Emily.
Key passages
“It is to be feared that men in general do not regret as they should do any temporary ill-feeling, or irritating jealousy between husbands and wives, of which they themselves have been the cause.”
Men often don't feel properly sorry when their actions cause temporary jealousy or bad feelings between a married couple.
Narrator's commentary on the lack of remorse in those who inadvertently spark marital jealousy.
“But when such painful jealous doubts annoy the husband, the man who is in the way will almost always feel himself justified in extracting a slightly pleasurable sensation from the transaction.”
When a husband becomes jealous, the man who caused it usually takes a bit of pleasure from the situation.
Describes Colonel Osborne's reaction to learning of Trevelyan's jealousy.
“The green-eyed monster is of all monsters the most monstrous—and the most unreasonable.”
Jealousy is the most monstrous and unreasonable of all monsters.
Colonel Osborne's note to Emily, referencing Othello.