# XXXII explained — Mary, Mary > Chapter companion for Mary, Mary by James Stephens. ## What happens Mrs. Makebelieve receives a letter informing her that her brother Patrick Joseph Brady has died and left her a substantial inheritance. After visiting the solicitors and receiving an advance of fifty pounds, she and Mary begin to adjust to their new fortune. Mary goes for a walk with the young man, who is now well-fed and melancholy, but eventually his hunger returns and with it his spirits. The chapter concludes with a philosophical reflection on the nature of life, evil, and progress, and a farewell to Mary as she steps into her future. ## Themes in this chapter ### Poverty and Survival The inheritance transforms the family's financial situation, moving them from poverty to sudden wealth; Mrs. Makebelieve continues working out of habit and curiosity. ### Social Class and Aspiration Mary and her mother immediately begin planning purchases and gifts, reflecting their aspirations and the social mobility enabled by the inheritance. ### Fantasy vs. Reality The inheritance feels almost unreal to Mrs. Makebelieve, who fears God might laugh at her; the chapter opens with a philosophical meditation on the unexpected in life. ## Character check-ins ### Mary Makebelieve Accompanies her mother to the solicitors and begins planning how to spend the inheritance; walks with the young man, discussing gifts and a new house. ### Mrs. Makebelieve Receives the inheritance letter, visits the solicitors, demands and receives an advance of fifty pounds, and returns to work at Mrs. O'Connor's to observe her with new perspective. ### The Young Man Walks with Mary; initially sad from being well-fed, but regains his spirits when hunger returns; his bruises are healing. ### Patrick Joseph Brady Deceased brother of Mrs. Makebelieve; his will leaves an inheritance to his sister Mary Eileen Makebelieve. ### Mrs. O'Connor Mrs. Makebelieve returns to work for her, intending to observe her critically. ## Key lines > Mrs. Makebelieve opened the letter which the evening's post had brought to her. She had pondered well before opening it, and had discussed with her daughter all the possible people who could have written it. Mrs. Makebelieve carefully considered the letter before opening it, speculating with Mary about who might have sent it. _Highlights the suspense and significance of the inheritance letter._ > Mrs. Makebelieve wept and besought God not to make a fool of a woman who was not only poor but old. Mrs. Makebelieve cried and prayed that God would not deceive a poor, elderly woman. _Shows her disbelief and fear that the inheritance might be a cruel joke._ > Mrs. Makebelieve instantly invoked the Pragmatic Sanction; she put the entire matter to the touchstone of absolute verity by demanding an advance of fifty pounds. To test the truth of the inheritance, Mrs. Makebelieve boldly asked for an advance of fifty pounds. _Demonstrates her practical and skeptical nature._ > The young man had been fed with an amplitude which he had never known before, so that not even the remotest slim thread, shred, hint, echo, or memory of hunger remained with him: he tried but could not make a dint in himself anywhere, and, consequently, he was as sad as only a well-fed person can be. The young man was so full from eating that he couldn't feel hungry, which made him deeply unhappy. _Contrasts hunger with fullness, suggesting hunger drives ambition and life._ > He was a man predestined to bruises; they would be his meat and drink and happiness, his refuge and sanctuary forever. He accepted that bruises and misfortune were his constant companions and would always define him. _Reflects the young man's resigned and philosophical attitude toward his hardships._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/mary_mary_se/chapters/xxxii - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/mary_mary_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/mary_mary_se/chapters