Interim · Chapter
VI explained
Miriam returns to the Baileys' boarding house and has dinner with the family and boarders.
What happens
Miriam returns to the Baileys' boarding house and has dinner with the family and boarders. She feels a sense of belonging and independence, but also resents Mrs. Bailey's public familiarity. Later, she goes for a walk with Mr. Mendizabal, experiencing a sense of freedom and companionship in the city streets.
Themes in this chapter
Urban Life and Escape
Miriam's walk with Mr. Mendizabal through the city streets represents a moment of escape and freedom, as they navigate the 'tide of light and sound' together.
Social Performance and Authenticity
Miriam feels the pressure of performing at the dinner table, resenting Mrs. Bailey's public familiarity while trying to appear composed and independent.
Solitude and Self-Discovery
Miriam's internal reflections during dinner and her walk reveal a growing sense of self-awareness and independence, as she contemplates her own 'secret belongings' and the possibility of a different life.
Characters to notice
- Miriam
Feels a new sense of independence and belonging at the Baileys' dinner table, but also resents Mrs. Bailey's familiarity. Enjoys a walk with Mr. Mendizabal, feeling a sense of freedom and companionship.
- Mrs. Bailey
Carves the joint at dinner and expresses her triumphant affectionate sense of Miriam's presence, but also uses a familiar tone that Miriam resents.
- Mr. Mendizabal
Joins Miriam for a walk on a mild February evening, sharing a sense of companionship and freedom as they navigate the city streets together.
- Emile
Hands round plates of soup and dishes of vegetables at dinner.
- Sissie
Sits at the far end of the dinner table opposite her mother.
- Strelinsky
Seen at the café, blocking the view as Miriam leaves.
Key passages
“The things that are beginning to be called silly futile romances are true. Here is the strong silent man who does not want to talk and grin.”
Miriam reflects that the so-called silly romances are actually true, as she observes a strong, silent man who doesn't feel the need to talk or grin.
Miriam's internal musings on romance and the ideal man.
“With your feet on that firm ground what would it matter how life went on and on?”
Miriam thinks that if she had a solid foundation, the uncertainties of life wouldn't matter.
Miriam's contemplation of security and independence.
“We are both batteurs de pavé , she thought; both people who must be free to be nothing; saying to everything je m’en fiche”
Miriam thinks that she and Mr. Mendizabal are both wanderers of the streets, people who must be free to be nothing, indifferent to everything.
Miriam's sense of kinship with Mr. Mendizabal in their shared freedom.
“Yorce she pondered getting angrily away into thought. Mrs. Bailey could not know that it might be said to be more correct than yourz.”
Miriam angrily reflects on Mrs. Bailey's use of 'yor' instead of 'your', considering it an affectation.
Miriam's irritation with Mrs. Bailey's speech and manner.