Hester · Chapter
XVII: The Young and the Old explained
Catherine Vernon visits the Morgans and praises their grandson Roland Ashton, who has recently arrived.
What happens
Catherine Vernon visits the Morgans and praises their grandson Roland Ashton, who has recently arrived. Old Mrs. Morgan is overjoyed, but Captain Morgan is wary and cautions against trusting the young man. The conversation shifts to Edward and Harry Vernon's management of the bank, Catherine's pride in Edward, and reflections on love, marriage, and the romanticism of youth versus the wisdom of age. Mrs. Morgan shares her philosophy of life, emphasizing the importance of love, forgiveness, and family bonds.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
Mrs. Morgan argues that love is what the young truly seek, while Catherine insists that settlements and practical considerations are paramount. The chapter contrasts youthful romanticism with older, more pragmatic views.
Family and Obligation
Captain Morgan struggles with the obligation to welcome his grandson despite his reservations, while Mrs. Morgan finds her greatest happiness in family bonds. Catherine's pride in Edward reflects her sense of familial duty.
Wealth and Morality
Catherine and Captain Morgan discuss the dangers of speculation and the moral virtue of steady capital, reflecting the Victorian ideal of prudent wealth management.
Characters to notice
- Catherine Vernon
Visits the Morgans, praises Roland Ashton, discusses the bank and her nephews, and reflects on her own lack of maternal experience.
- Mrs. Morgan
Beams with happiness over Roland's arrival, shares her philosophy on love and family, and gently challenges Catherine's views.
- Captain Morgan
Troubled by Roland's presence, cautions Catherine against trusting him, and expresses his desire for peace in old age.
- Roland Ashton
Recently arrived at the Vernonry, praised by Catherine for his independence and good looks; Captain Morgan is suspicious of him.
- Edward Vernon
Praised by Catherine as the heart of the bank, steady and diffident about his own opinion.
- Harry Vernon
Mentioned as the less capable brother who does not think for himself.
Key passages
“that a man need be always superior to his wife. Where there is love, it does not matter.”
A husband does not have to be superior to his wife; love makes such considerations unimportant.
Mrs. Morgan expresses a progressive view on marriage, prioritizing love over traditional hierarchies.
“it is the old people that are romantic, not the young. It is the settlements that are the things to be considered.”
Older people are the true romantics; young people should focus on financial arrangements.
Catherine counters Mrs. Morgan, asserting that practicality, not romance, should guide marriage decisions.
“Peace is sweet, but it is not life.”
Tranquility is pleasant, but it does not constitute a full life.
Mrs. Morgan reflects on the value of engagement with family, even when it brings challenges.