# Close on It explained — Man and Wife

> Chapter companion for Man and Wife by Wilkie Collins.

## What happens

Sir Patrick and a group of guests confront Geoffrey Delamayn in the library, challenging his views on athleticism and education. Sir Patrick argues that the neglect of moral and mental development in favor of physical prowess can lead to moral decay and crime. Geoffrey initially defends himself but is cautioned by a surgeon who warns him that his health may be suffering from overexertion. The surgeon also notes a physical toll from athletic pursuits, supporting Sir Patrick's broader critique.

## Themes in this chapter

### Hypocrisy of Society

Sir Patrick critiques the societal glorification of physical prowess while ignoring moral and intellectual decay.

### Suffering and Resilience

The surgeon warns of permanent health damage from athletic overexertion, highlighting hidden suffering.

## Character check-ins

### Geoffrey Delamayn

Confronted by Sir Patrick and guests; defends athleticism but is warned by the surgeon about his health.

### Sir Patrick Lundie

Leads the discussion, criticizing the neglect of education and moral development in favor of physical training.

### Arnold Brinkworth

Present in the library, observes the debate with Blanche.

### Blanche Lundie

Present in the library, interacts with Arnold and observes the debate.

### Lady Lundie

Sends Blanche to Sir Patrick with the dinner guest list.

## Key lines

> You will lay any odds, Sir, against me taking my Degree? You're quite right. I shan't take my Degree. You doubt whether I, or any of those fellows behind me, could read, write, and cipher correctly if you tried us. You're right again—we couldn't.

Geoffrey admits to Sir Patrick that he and his friends are poorly educated and will not earn their degrees.

_Geoffrey concedes Sir Patrick's point about educational neglect._

> I have undertaken to give you, what I believe to be, a necessary caution. I have not undertaken to tell you what I think is the matter with you. That may be a question for consideration some little time hence.

The surgeon warns Geoffrey about his health without specifying the issue, suggesting future concern.

_The surgeon hints at underlying health problems from overtraining._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xix-close-on-it
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/man_and_wife_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters