# XXIII explained — Mary, Mary

> Chapter companion for Mary, Mary by James Stephens.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/mary_mary_se/chapters/xxiii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/mary_mary_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/mary_mary_se/chapters