# XCII: Trevelyan Discourses on Life explained — He Knew He Was Right

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

## What happens

Hugh Stanbury travels to Siena to visit Louis Trevelyan, who is in declining health and mental distress. Emily Trevelyan meets him and describes her husband's erratic behavior and physical weakness. Stanbury visits Trevelyan at Casalunga, finding him in a disheveled state, and they discuss life and morality. The chapter also touches on Nora Rowley's engagement to Hugh and the Spaldings' pride in Caroline's marriage to Lord Peterborough.

## Themes in this chapter

### Madness and Obsession

Trevelyan's mental decline is evident in his erratic behavior, disheveled appearance, and cynical discourse; Emily notes his reason is affected.

### Marital Jealousy and Possessiveness

Trevelyan's past jealousy over Colonel Osborne is referenced; his current distrust of Emily persists, as he orders her not to accompany Stanbury.

### Gender Roles and Power in Marriage

Emily's submissive role in caring for Trevelyan despite his accusations; she avoids defending herself and focuses on his health.

## Character check-ins

### Hugh Stanbury

Travels to Florence and Siena to visit Trevelyan; discusses Nora and his engagement with Emily Trevelyan.

### Emily Trevelyan

Meets Stanbury at Siena station; describes Trevelyan's volatile behavior and her own somber appearance; arranges Stanbury's visit to Casalunga.

### Louis Trevelyan

Found at Casalunga in a disheveled state, wearing a bright dressing-gown and cap; speaks cynically about life and idleness; his reason appears affected.

### Nora Rowley

Discussed by Hugh and Emily; noted for her firmness and self-reliance in choosing Hugh over Mr. Glascock.

### Mrs. Spalding

Mentions 'Lady Peterborough' (Caroline Spalding) and her pride in her niece's marriage; provides news about the Trevelyans.

### Caroline Spalding

Referred to as 'Lady Peterborough'; her marriage is a source of pride for Mrs. Spalding.

## Key lines

> It is natural that a mother should be as proud when her daughter marries an Earl’s heir as when her son becomes Senior Wrangler; and when we meet a lady in Mrs. Spalding’s condition who purposely abstains from mentioning the name of her titled daughter, we shall be disposed to judge harshly of the secret workings of that lady’s thoughts on the subject.

A mother's pride in her daughter's marriage to a wealthy heir is as natural as pride in a son's academic success; pretending otherwise would be disingenuous.

_Narrator defends Mrs. Spalding's open pride in Caroline's marriage to Lord Peterborough._

> Labour leads to greed, and greed to selfishness, and selfishness to treachery, and treachery straight to the devil—straight to the devil.

Work causes greed, which leads to selfishness and betrayal, ultimately resulting in damnation.

_Trevelyan's cynical view of life and morality during his discourse with Stanbury._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/xcii-trevelyan-discourses-on-life
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters