# Chapter II explained — Man and Wife

> Chapter companion for Man and Wife by Wilkie Collins.

## What happens

Mr. Vanborough reveals to his friend Mr. Kendrew his dissatisfaction with his wife, Mrs. Vanborough, whom he married from the stage. He expresses regret for his marriage, claiming it hinders his ambition for a Parliamentary career and a peerage. He desires a woman with high connections, like Lady Jane Parnell, and plans to move from Hampstead to distance his wife from her acquaintances. Mr. Kendrew rebukes him for his treatment of his wife and his secretiveness. The chapter ends with the arrival of Mr. Delamayn, a lawyer, whom Vanborough has summoned to discuss a matter involving Mrs. Vanborough.

## Themes in this chapter

### Marriage and Its Legal Bonds

Vanborough's regret and resentment toward his marriage, viewing his wife as a 'millstone' and an obstacle to his ambitions, contrasts with the legal and social bonds that tie him to her.

### Social Class and Ambition

Vanborough's desire for a peerage and a wife with high connections drives his dissatisfaction, highlighting the theme of social climbing and the value placed on class in Victorian society.

### Betrayal and Deception

Vanborough's secretiveness about his plans and his public presentation as a single man, while married, indicates deception and betrayal of his wife's trust.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Vanborough

Expresses deep dissatisfaction with his wife and his marriage, revealing his ambition for a peerage and his desire for a wife with high connections.

### Mr. Kendrew

An old friend who confronts Vanborough about his neglect and shame of his wife, and expresses dislike for Mr. Delamayn.

### Mrs. Vanborough

Shown as a devoted wife, concerned about her husband's mood and the difficulty of letting their house, unaware of his true feelings.

### Blanche Lundie

Briefly appears as a young lady who goes into the garden with Anne Silvester after dinner.

### Anne Silvester

Briefly appears as Blanche's companion, going into the garden with her.

### Julius Delamayn

Arrives at the end of the chapter as the lawyer Vanborough has summoned; Mr. Kendrew expresses a dislike for him.

## Key lines

> I tell you, my marriage has wrecked my prospects. It’s no use talking to me of my wife’s virtues. She is a millstone round my neck, with all her virtues.

Vanborough declares that his marriage has ruined his future opportunities, and he dismisses any praise of his wife's good qualities, seeing her as a burden.

_This quote encapsulates Vanborough's deep resentment and his view of his wife as an impediment to his social and political ambitions._

> If I had not been a born idiot I should have waited, and married a woman who would have been of some use to me; a woman with high connections

Vanborough regrets not delaying marriage to wed a woman with influential social ties who could advance his career.

_Highlights the theme of social class and ambition, as Vanborough prioritizes connections over love or character._

> I have reason to know that you are actually believed to be a single man, among these new acquaintances of yours, in more than one quarter.

Mr. Kendrew reveals that Vanborough is known to present himself as unmarried to his new social circle.

_Illustrates the theme of betrayal and deception, as Vanborough hides his marriage to further his social standing._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/ii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/man_and_wife_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters