# Hard Words explained — He Knew He Was Right

> Chapter companion for He Knew He Was Right by Anthony Trollope.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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