# XXXVIII explained — Memoirs of a Midget

> Chapter companion for Memoirs of a Midget by Walter de la Mare.

## What happens

The narrator writes a belated letter to Mr. Anon, then faces Fanny's unexpected visit to Mrs. Monnerie's home. A tense, intuitive duel unfolds between Mrs. Monnerie and Fanny. Later, the narrator worries about financial troubles after a confusing letter from solicitors, and advocates for Fanny to become a governess. Susan Monnerie questions the narrator about Fanny and reveals her own engagement, leading to a strained conversation about love and happiness.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Obsession

The narrator's intense, conflicted feelings for Fanny are evident, alongside Susan's conventional engagement, highlighting different forms of love.

### Deception and Self-Deception

The narrator questions their own motives in helping Fanny, and Susan's candid remarks contrast with the narrator's hidden anxieties.

### Class and Social Hierarchy

Fanny's status as a landlady's daughter and the narrator's advocacy for her as a governess underscore class distinctions.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown (Narrator)

Writes to Mr. Anon, hosts Fanny's visit, worries about finances, and discusses Fanny's prospects with Mrs. Monnerie and Susan.

### Fanny Bowater

Visits Mrs. Monnerie's home; described as dark, pale, and self-possessed; the narrator advocates for her as a governess.

### Mrs. Monnerie

Receives Fanny with interest, engages in a duel of intuitions with her, and agrees to consider Fanny as a governess.

### Susan Monnerie

Quietly leaves during Fanny's visit, later questions the narrator about Fanny, and reveals her engagement.

### Mr. Anon

Addressee of the narrator's letter; reproached for not writing.

### Sir Walter Pollacke

Arrives as another caller during Fanny's visit.

## Key lines

> I turned cold all over and held my breath. “Ah,” whispered Mrs. Monnerie, “your future Mrs. Rochester, my pet.”

The narrator freezes upon hearing Fanny has arrived, and Mrs. Monnerie teasingly compares Fanny to the famous character from Jane Eyre.

_Highlights the narrator's anxiety and Mrs. Monnerie's playful literary reference._

> If Fanny had been Joan of Arc, she could not have had a more single-minded reception.

Mrs. Monnerie gives Fanny her full, focused attention, as if she were a legendary figure.

_Emphasizes the intensity of the encounter between Mrs. Monnerie and Fanny._

> I wanted to help her; I wanted also to show her off. And what a joy it would be if she should change into the Fanny of my dreams.

The narrator admits mixed motives: genuine desire to assist Fanny, and a wish to display her as a prized possession.

_Reveals the narrator's self-awareness and conflicted feelings._

> “You do love him, then?” the words jerked out. “Why, you strange thing, how curiously you speak to me. Of course I love him. I am going to marry him.”

The narrator bluntly asks Susan if she loves her fiancé, and Susan responds with surprise, affirming her love and intention to marry.

_Illustrates the contrast between the narrator's questioning of love and Susan's conventional certainty._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/chapters/xxxviii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/chapters