Man and Wife · Chapter
XIV: Geoffrey as a Letter-Writer explained
Geoffrey Delamayn struggles with indecision over whether to write to Anne Silvester, who is waiting for him at a Scottish inn.
What happens
Geoffrey Delamayn struggles with indecision over whether to write to Anne Silvester, who is waiting for him at a Scottish inn. He attempts various physical remedies—a bath, dumbbells, and boxing with the prizefighter Crouch—to clear his mind. Ultimately, after being knocked about, he decides to wait and see what the next forty-eight hours bring, rather than commit to writing. Meanwhile, he visits his father's house but is turned away due to Lord Holchester's improved health and his own banishment; he kicks his mother's pet dog and leaves.
Themes in this chapter
Betrayal and Deception
Geoffrey's internal debate about writing to Anne or deserting her reflects his potential betrayal; he ultimately chooses to wait and see, prioritizing his own convenience.
Gender and Power
Geoffrey's power over Anne is evident as he decides whether to communicate with her; she is left waiting and dependent on his actions.
Social Class and Ambition
Geoffrey's status as a gentleman is contrasted with his violent, pugilistic pursuits; his banishment from his father's house highlights the precariousness of his social position.
Characters to notice
- Geoffrey Delamayn
Struggles with indecision about writing to Anne; seeks physical remedies; visits his father's house but is turned away; kicks his mother's dog.
- Anne Silvester
The secret anxiety in Geoffrey's mind; she is waiting at a Scottish inn under the assumed name 'Mrs. Silvester'.
- Julius Delamayn
Arrives from Scotland; tries to persuade Geoffrey to stay and see their mother; is left unnoticed by the servants.
- Crouch
The retired prizefighter who boxes with Geoffrey, pretending to hold back but eventually hitting hard as requested.
- Lord Holchester
Geoffrey's father; has suffered a paralytic stroke but is now rallying; his recovery complicates Geoffrey's position.
Key passages
“Was it only the hot wind that wrung from him these demonstrations of discomfort? Or was there some secret anxiety in his mind which assisted the depressing influences of the day? There was a secret anxiety in his mind. And the name of it was—Anne.”
Geoffrey's discomfort is not solely due to the hot weather; his real worry is about Anne.
Reveals Geoffrey's internal conflict and the central secret of the chapter.
“Write to Anne? Who but a fool would write to such a woman as that until he was forced to it? Wait and see what the chances of the next eight-and-forty hours might bring forth, and then write to her, or desert her, as the event might decide.”
Geoffrey decides it is foolish to write to Anne now; he will wait to see what happens and then either write or abandon her.
Shows Geoffrey's callous calculation and his decision to temporize.