XXIX explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Gender Roles and Women's Independence

  Margaret's calm, rational forgiveness contrasts with Henry's expectation of a 'womanly' emotional scene, highlighting gendered expectations.

• Love, Marriage, and Compromise

  Margaret chooses to forgive Henry and proceed with the marriage despite his confession, illustrating compromise in love.

• Social Class and Inequality

  Henry's fear of blackmail from the Basts reflects class anxieties and the vulnerability of the wealthy to those of lower status.

Characters to notice

• Margaret Schlegel

  Confronts Henry, forgives him, and tries to manage the situation with Helen and the Basts.

• Henry Wilcox

  Confesses his past infidelity to Margaret, builds a new defensive fortress, and dismisses the matter as a 'man's business'.

• Helen Schlegel

  Has left the George early, causing Margaret concern; her whereabouts and intentions are unknown.

• Leonard Bast

  Has left the George with Jacky, leaving no message; Margaret worries about their responsibility for him.

• Jacky Bast

  Connected to Henry's past; Margaret fears she may gossip or blackmail Henry.

Key passages

• “I have been through hell.”

  Henry claims to have suffered intensely from his past actions.

  Margaret doubts the sincerity of his remorse, suspecting he merely wants to move on.

• “This is a man's business.”

  Henry dismisses Margaret's concerns as something only men should handle.

  Reflects the gender divide and Henry's desire to control the narrative.

• “She never saw it again.”

  Margaret looks back at Oniton as they drive away, knowing she will never return.

  Symbolizes the transient nature of the Wilcoxes' connection to places.