# XVIII: A Family Party explained — Hester

> Chapter companion for Hester by Margaret Oliphant.

## What happens

At a family gathering, Ellen Merridew (born Vernon) complains about Catherine Vernon's choice of guests and her spending on distant relations, while her husband Algernon defends Catherine with deep veneration. Roland Ashton engages Catherine in philosophical conversation, winning her favor. Plans for a Christmas party are discussed, with Ellen expressing disdain for family parties and Miss Matilda Vernon-Ridgway commenting on charity.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Inequality

Ellen criticizes Catherine for spending money on 'nobodies' and distant relations, highlighting class distinctions within the family.

### Wealth and Morality

Discussion of Catherine's charitable giving and the moral obligations of wealth, contrasted with Ellen's disdain for the poor.

### Family and Obligation

Family tensions arise over Catherine's support of various relatives and the expectations of familial duty.

## Character check-ins

### Ellen Merridew

Complains about Catherine's guest list and spending, prefers strangers to family parties.

### Algernon Merridew

Defends Catherine Vernon with loyalty, proud of his connection to her.

### Catherine Vernon

Hosts the family party, engages in philosophical talk with Roland, plans a Christmas party.

### Roland Ashton

Engages Catherine in conversation about philosophy, uses his charm to win her favor.

### Edward Vernon

Discusses financial speculation with Roland, appears distracted at the party.

### Miss Matilda Vernon-Ridgway

Comments on charity flannel and blankets, praises Catherine's generosity.

## Key lines

> A grandson of Captain Morgan! Well, that is not much to meet us at our wedding dinner⁠—at least, if it is not our wedding dinner⁠—Oh, I know there was our state one, and we met all the old fogies whom I detest!

Ellen complains that Catherine invited a grandson of Captain Morgan to their wedding dinner, which she considers beneath them.

_Ellen's snobbery and dissatisfaction with Catherine's guest list._

> I think you and I, Roland, are going to be great friends,

Catherine tells Roland she believes they will become close friends.

_Catherine is charmed by Roland's sympathetic demeanor._

> Oh, don't you think, Aunt Catherine, Christmas is such a bore! said Ellen, and family parties! Let us have strangers.

Ellen expresses her dislike for Christmas and family gatherings, preferring to invite strangers instead.

_Ellen's aversion to family obligations and tradition._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/hester_se/chapters/xviii-a-family-party
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/hester_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/hester_se/chapters