Lavengro · Chapter
XXXIII explained
The narrator dines with the publisher, who reveals his plans for the narrator's literary work: compiling Newgate lives and trials, contributing to a Review, and translating the publisher's own philosophy book into German.
What happens
The narrator dines with the publisher, who reveals his plans for the narrator's literary work: compiling Newgate lives and trials, contributing to a Review, and translating the publisher's own philosophy book into German. The publisher's domineering and eccentric character is displayed through his dietary restrictions and dismissive attitude toward his family.
Themes in this chapter
Freedom vs. Convention
The narrator's constrained position as a young writer subject to the publisher's whims, contrasting with his desire for creative freedom.
Social Class and Gentility
The publisher's authoritarian demeanor and disdain for his family reflect class dynamics and the power imbalance between employer and employee.
Characters to notice
- Lavengro
The narrator, who is offered multiple literary tasks by the publisher.
- The Landlord
The publisher, who hosts the dinner and outlines his employment terms.
- The Master of the House
The publisher's son, present at dinner but treated with contempt by his father.
Key passages
“I do not, sir; I have changed my mind, as I told you before; I wish to employ you in another line, but will communicate to you my intentions after dinner.”
The publisher tells the narrator he has reconsidered and will reveal his new plans for the narrator's work after the meal.
The publisher shifts from the idea of an evangelical novel to other literary projects.
“Sir, I do not want you to translate Goethe or anything belonging to him; nor do I want you to translate anything from the German; what I want you to do, is to translate into German.”
The publisher clarifies that he wants the narrator to translate his own philosophy book into German, not to translate German works into English.
The publisher dismisses Goethe as a 'drug' and insists on a translation of his own work.