# XCVIII: Acquitted explained — He Knew He Was Right

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

## What happens

As Trevelyan's health declines rapidly at Twickenham, Emily cares for him while grappling with his lingering accusations. Dr. Nevill treats Trevelyan like a child and shares his confidences with Emily. In a final confrontation, Emily demands that Trevelyan acknowledge her fidelity. On his deathbed, he silently kisses her hand, acquitting her of infidelity before he dies. Emily later tells Nora of her tardy triumph.

## Themes in this chapter

### Marital Jealousy and Possessiveness

Trevelyan's dying accusations and obsession with Emily's supposed infidelity dominate the chapter, culminating in his final acquittal.

### Forgiveness and Reconciliation

Emily seeks and receives a silent gesture of forgiveness from Trevelyan on his deathbed, resolving the central conflict of their marriage.

### Madness and Obsession

Dr. Nevill's assessment that Trevelyan is not mad but shattered in body and mind highlights the fine line between obsession and insanity.

## Character check-ins

### Emily Trevelyan

Cares for her dying husband at Twickenham, endures his accusations, and finally receives his silent acknowledgment of her fidelity.

### Louis Trevelyan

Dying and bedridden, he continues to allude to past wrongs but ultimately kisses Emily's hand in a gesture of acquittal before his death.

### Nora Rowley

Visits the cottage at Twickenham, speaks cheerfully to Trevelyan, and later receives the news of his death from Emily.

### Dr. Nevill

Attends Trevelyan daily, treats him like a child, and shares Trevelyan's confidences with Emily, advising that Trevelyan is not mad but physically shattered.

### Hugh Stanbury

Visits the cottage that evening to see Nora, but Emily declines to meet him.

## Key lines

> One does not become angry with a madman; but while a man has power in his hands over others, and when he misuses that power grossly and cruelly, who is there that will not be angry?

It is impossible not to feel anger when someone in power abuses it, even if they are mentally ill.

_Reflects the moral dilemma of judging Trevelyan's actions despite his declining health._

> He declared to me at last that he trusted me, she said—almost believing that real words had come from his lips to that effect.

Emily convinced herself that Trevelyan's silent kiss was a clear statement of trust.

_Highlights Emily's need for vindication and the ambiguity of Trevelyan's final gesture._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/xcviii-acquitted
- 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