Middlemarch · Chapter
Book V: The Dead Hand explained
This chapter explores the lingering influence of the past, particularly through Casaubon's will and its restrictive codicil, which casts a shadow over Dorothea's future.
What happens
This chapter explores the lingering influence of the past, particularly through Casaubon's will and its restrictive codicil, which casts a shadow over Dorothea's future. The narrative also follows Lydgate's mounting financial troubles and the social pressures of Middlemarch, as characters grapple with ambition, duty, and the constraints of their circumstances.
Themes in this chapter
Marriage and Illusion
The chapter examines the disillusionment in Dorothea's marriage to Casaubon, as his will reveals a lack of trust and a desire to control her even after death.
Money and Economic Pressure
Lydgate's financial troubles and the implications of Casaubon's will underscore the pervasive influence of money on personal relationships and social standing.
Characters to notice
- Dorothea Brooke
Dorothea is confronted with the limitations imposed by Casaubon's will, which restricts her freedom and future choices.
- Edward Casaubon
Casaubon's death and the codicil to his will exert a controlling influence from beyond the grave, embodying the 'dead hand' of the past.
- Tertius Lydgate
Lydgate's financial crisis deepens as he struggles with debt and the expectations of his wife Rosamond, highlighting his professional and personal frustrations.
- Rosamond Vincy
Rosamond's desire for a luxurious lifestyle exacerbates Lydgate's financial strain, reflecting her limited agency within marriage.
- Will Ladislaw
Will's presence in Middlemarch becomes a point of tension, as his connection to Dorothea is complicated by Casaubon's suspicions and the codicil.
Key passages
“The dead hand was not to be shaken off.”
The influence of Casaubon's will and his posthumous control over Dorothea's life cannot be escaped.
This phrase encapsulates the central theme of the chapter, emphasizing the enduring power of the past.
“Lydgate was beginning to feel the pinch of his debts.”
Lydgate is increasingly feeling the pressure of his financial obligations.
This highlights Lydgate's growing economic distress, a key subplot in the chapter.