Mary, Mary · Chapter
XXIII explained
Mrs.
What happens
Mrs. Makebelieve plans to reclaim her pawned belongings, which hold deep sentimental value, and resents working for Mrs. O'Connor. She angrily recalls an encounter with a policeman, then comforts Mary and advises her to maintain inner freedom despite servitude. Mary shares a vision of peaceful convent life, but her mother discourages it, advocating for engagement with the world and helping others as a woman's true calling.
Themes in this chapter
Poverty and Survival
Mrs. Makebelieve's struggle to reclaim pawned belongings highlights the family's ongoing financial hardship and the lengths she goes to for survival.
Freedom and Independence
Mrs. Makebelieve passionately advocates for inner freedom and dignity despite servitude, contrasting with Mary's vision of sheltered convent life.
Mother-Daughter Relationship
The chapter centers on the intimate bond between Mrs. Makebelieve and Mary, with the mother offering wisdom and comfort while gently steering Mary away from the convent.
Characters to notice
- Mrs. Makebelieve
Plans to retrieve pawned furniture, detests Mrs. O'Connor, angrily recalls a policeman, and counsels Mary on maintaining dignity and freedom.
- Mary Makebelieve
Shares a vision of peaceful convent life but is gently discouraged by her mother; finds comfort in her mother's embrace.
- Mrs. O'Connor
Employer of Mrs. Makebelieve, described as cold-eyed and overbearing.
- Patrick Joseph Brady
Referenced indirectly as the policeman nephew Mrs. Makebelieve detests.
Key passages
“Never be a servant in your heart, said she. To work is nothing; the king on his throne, the priest kneeling before the Holy Altar, all people in all places had to work, but no person at all need be a servant.”
Mrs. Makebelieve advises Mary that while work is universal and honorable, one must never adopt a servile mindset; inner dignity is paramount.
Mrs. Makebelieve's core philosophy on labor and self-respect.
“For her a woman's business was life; the turmoil and strife of it was good to be in; it was a cleansing and a bracing.”
Mrs. Makebelieve believes that a woman's true calling is to engage fully with life's challenges, which are purifying and strengthening.
Her rejection of the convent as a retreat from the world.