# XXXVI: In the Labyrinth explained — Hester

> Chapter companion for Hester by Margaret Oliphant.

## What happens

Hester is caught in a secret, troubled betrothal to Edward Vernon after a sudden, intense evening visit. She lives a double life, outwardly normal but inwardly consumed by anxiety and guilt over Edward's hidden troubles and hints of flight. Roland Ashton departs, leaving Hester relieved, and her only connection to Edward is through Ellen's dances, where he appears sporadically, deepening her confusion and distress.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Secrecy

Hester's secret betrothal and double life, hiding her true feelings and actions from her mother and society.

### Love and Marriage

Edward's passionate but troubled proposal of elopement contrasts with Roland's practical view of marriage as a settlement.

### Youthful Idealism vs. Reality

Hester's romantic hopes clash with the grim reality of Edward's hidden burdens and the impossibility of open union.

## Character check-ins

### Hester Vernon

Struggles with the secret betrothal to Edward, feeling guilty and trapped in a labyrinth of uncertainty.

### Edward Vernon

Proposes elopement to Hester, speaks of disappearing, and remains mysterious about his troubles.

### Roland Ashton

Departs after hinting at future intentions toward Hester, but she is indifferent and relieved by his going.

### Ellen Merridew

Hosts the Thés Dansantes where Hester hopes to meet Edward.

### Emma Ashton

Mentioned as having a sensible view of marriage; left behind by Roland.

### Harry Vernon

Briefly mentioned as a former suitor Hester refused.

## Key lines

> He seemed to have led her to the edge of some labyrinth, without freedom to leave it, or to advance into its mysteries.

Edward brought Hester to a confusing and inescapable situation where she could neither retreat nor move forward.

_Illustrates Hester's feeling of being trapped in uncertainty._

> She felt that it was but the shell of her that remained, following mechanically the usual occupations, talking from the lips outward, absorbed in a long perpetual reverie of new consciousness, new hopes and fears.

Hester felt like only her outer self went through daily routines, while her inner self was lost in thoughts of Edward.

_Highlights her emotional detachment and secret inner life._

> What was it? He did not tell her in his letter. The other little notes he wrote were but appeals to her sympathy—petitions to her to love him, to think of him.

Edward's letters asked for her love and sympathy but never explained what troubled him.

_Shows Edward's secrecy and Hester's frustration._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/hester_se/chapters/xxxvi-in-the-labyrinth
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/hester_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/hester_se/chapters