Mary, Mary · Chapter
XIV explained
Mrs.
What happens
Mrs. Makebelieve returns home deeply fatigued and ill, struggling with a strange apathy that alarms her. Mary tries to cheer her but eventually goes out alone, walking through Dublin's lively evening streets. She watches crowds heading to the Gaiety Theatre and dreams of the big policeman taking her there, only to see him arrive with another girl, leaving Mary heartbroken.
Themes in this chapter
Fantasy vs. Reality
Mary's dreams of the policeman taking her to the theatre are shattered when she sees him with another girl, contrasting her romantic fantasies with harsh reality.
Coming of Age and Sexuality
Mary's observation of courting couples and her own romantic disappointment highlight her emerging awareness of love and heartbreak.
Characters to notice
- Mary Makebelieve
Mary tries to comfort her mother, then goes out alone, dreaming of the policeman but witnessing him with another girl.
- Mrs. Makebelieve
Mrs. Makebelieve comes home very low-spirited, complaining of headache and languor, and falls into a strange apathy.
Key passages
“Some spring of willingness seemed to be temporarily absent.”
She felt a complete lack of motivation or desire to do anything.
Describes Mrs. Makebelieve's unusual apathy and fatigue.
“She wanted, in her then state of mind, to walk in the solitude which can only be found in crowded places”
Mary sought the unique loneliness one can experience while surrounded by a crowd.
Mary's desire for distraction and escape from her troubled home.
“old conversation is here poured into new bottles, old jokes have the freshness of infancy”
Familiar talk and jokes feel new and exciting when shared with fresh acquaintances.
Describes the lively, renewing atmosphere of Dublin's evening promenade.