Man and Wife · Chapter
Chapter IV explained
Lady Jane Parnell arrives at the Hampstead house seeking a furnished house for a friend and is shocked to find Mr.
What happens
Lady Jane Parnell arrives at the Hampstead house seeking a furnished house for a friend and is shocked to find Mr. Vanborough there. Mr. Vanborough, desperate to prevent his wife from discovering Lady Jane, silently nods to imply that Mrs. Vanborough is Mr. Delamayn's wife. Lady Jane, believing Mr. Vanborough to be single, later confronts him at his own home, where Mrs. Vanborough produces a marriage certificate to prove their union. Mr. Delamayn, the lawyer, declares the certificate 'waste paper,' asserting that Mr. Vanborough is not legally married. Mrs. Vanborough collapses in despair, and Lady Jane leaves in horror.
Themes in this chapter
Marriage and Its Legal Bonds
The chapter centers on the legal validity of marriage, as Mr. Vanborough denies his wife and the lawyer declares the marriage certificate worthless.
Betrayal and Deception
Mr. Vanborough deceives both his wife and Lady Jane, lying about his marital status and betraying his wife's trust.
Gender and Power
Mrs. Vanborough is powerless against the legal system and her husband's denial, despite having a marriage certificate.
Characters to notice
- Lady Jane Parnell
Visits the Hampstead house and later confronts Mr. Vanborough; believes him to be single.
- Mr. Vanborough
Attempts to hide his wife from Lady Jane; denies his marriage when directly questioned.
- Mrs. Vanborough
Produces her marriage certificate to prove her marriage; collapses when it is declared invalid.
- Julius Delamayn
Mr. Vanborough's lawyer; declares the marriage certificate to be 'waste paper' and states that Vanborough is not legally married.
Key passages
“In two words, madam, ... waste paper.”
The lawyer declares the marriage certificate legally worthless.
Mr. Delamayn dismisses the certificate, asserting that Mr. Vanborough is not married.
“He is not married.”
Mr. Vanborough is legally single.
The lawyer confirms that the marriage is not recognized by law.
“That woman will murder me!”
Lady Jane fears Mrs. Vanborough will attack her.
Lady Jane is terrified by Mrs. Vanborough's anguished expression.