Mary, Mary · Chapter
XXXI explained
The young man returns to Mrs.
What happens
The young man returns to Mrs. Cafferty's lodging with torn clothes and sticking-plaster after a fight with a much larger man, whom he describes as the biggest man in the world. He recounts the fight with pride, and Mrs. Makebelieve and Mary silently recognize the attacker as the big policeman. Mrs. Makebelieve reflects on Mary's growing independence and her own transition from motherhood to a new phase of life, accepting that her daughter is no longer a child. The young man and Mary continue their evening walks, and Mrs. Makebelieve observes their intimacy with a mixture of approval and pain.
Themes in this chapter
Coming of Age and Sexuality
Mrs. Makebelieve reflects on Mary's transition from childhood to adulthood, recognizing that her daughter is no longer a child and is eager to undertake life on her own behalf.
Mother-Daughter Relationship
Mrs. Makebelieve grapples with the end of her active motherhood, feeling her arms empty but ultimately accepting the natural progression and hoping for a new intimacy with her daughter.
Fantasy vs. Reality
The young man's glorified account of the fight contrasts with the reality of his injuries and the silent recognition by Mary and her mother that the attacker was the big policeman.
Characters to notice
- Mary Makebelieve
Mary's face goes pale during the young man's story, and she silently confirms her mother's conjecture about the attacker. She continues her evening walks with the young man.
- Mrs. Makebelieve
Mrs. Makebelieve observes Mary's growing intimacy with the young man and reflects on her daughter's transition to adulthood, feeling both approval and pain. She recognizes the big man's attack as an energetic surrender.
- The Young Man
The young man returns with torn clothes and sticking-plaster after a fight with a much larger man. He recounts the fight with pride and is fed and extolled by the household.
- Mrs. Cafferty
Mrs. Cafferty is wild with indignation at the young man's injuries and marches him into Mrs. Makebelieve's room to tell his story.
- Mr. Cafferty
Mr. Cafferty enters the room, stands with his six children walking around his legs, and solemnly smites his fist, requesting to be given the aggressor.
Key passages
“Her little girl was a big girl; she had grown up and was eager to undertake the business of life on her own behalf.”
Mrs. Makebelieve realizes that Mary is no longer a child but a young woman ready to take charge of her own life.
Reflects the theme of coming of age and the mother's recognition of her daughter's independence.
“The continuity of nature does not fail, saving for extraordinary instances. She sees to it that a breast and an arm shall not very long be unoccupied.”
Nature ensures that a mother's love will soon find a new focus, as the cycle of life continues.
Mrs. Makebelieve's acceptance of the natural progression of motherhood and her hope for a renewed bond with Mary.
“He had found that his courage exceeded his strength, as it always should—for how could we face the gods and demons of existence if our puny arms were not backed up by our invincible eyes?”
The young man's courage outweighs his physical strength, which is necessary to confront life's challenges.
Highlights the theme of fantasy vs. reality and the young man's heroic self-perception.