XII explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Fantasy vs. Reality

  Mrs. Makebelieve fantasizes about Patrick's return and emigration to America, while Mary deceives herself about her intentions to meet the policeman.

• Social Class and Aspiration

  Mrs. Makebelieve's dreams of wealth through Patrick and emigration reflect aspirations to escape poverty.

• Appearance and Dress

  Mary carefully alters her skirt and styles her hair to look her best for the meeting.

Characters to notice

• Mary Makebelieve

  Prepares breakfast, alters her skirt, dresses up, and secretly goes to Phoenix Park where she meets the big policeman.

• Mrs. Makebelieve

  Feels better after extra sleep, talks about her brother Patrick and emigration, then rushes off to work.

• Patrick

  Mrs. Makebelieve's brother, believed to be in America, remembered for his generosity and humor.

• Mrs. O'Connor

  Mentioned critically by Mrs. Makebelieve for her wen, buck teeth, and the matter of the soap.

• Patrick Joseph Brady

  The big policeman who follows Mary into Phoenix Park and greets her.

Key passages

• “She said she had a sort of feeling that her brother Patrick must come back from America some time, and she was sure that when he did return he would lose no time in finding out his relatives and sharing with them the wealth which he had amassed in that rich country.”

  Mrs. Makebelieve expresses a hopeful belief that her brother Patrick will return from America and share his wealth with them.

  Highlights her fantasy of financial salvation through family.

• “She had a sort of guilty feeling as she walked, which she tried to allay by saying very definitely that she was not doing anything wrong.”

  Mary feels guilty about her actions but tries to convince herself she is not doing anything wrong.

  Illustrates Mary's internal conflict and self-deception.

• “Wherever there was a bush there were flowers on it. Every tree was thronged with birds that sang shrilly and sweetly in sudden thrills and clear sustained melodies, but in the open spaces the silence was more wonderful; there was no bird note to come between Mary and that deep voice, no shadow of a tree to swallow up their own two shadows; and the sunlight was so mildly warm, the air was so sweet and pure, and the little wind that hushed by from the mountains was a tender and a peaceful wind.”

  The park is described as idyllic and romantic, with flowers, birdsong, and a peaceful atmosphere that enhances Mary's encounter with the policeman.

  Sets a romantic mood for Mary's meeting with the policeman.