# LI explained — Middlemarch

> Chapter companion for Middlemarch by George Eliot.

## What happens

Mr. Brooke withdraws from the election, leaving Ladislaw to consider his future. Will resolves to stay in Middlemarch despite being kept away from Dorothea, and the chapter details Mr. Brooke's disastrous speechifying at the hustings.

## Themes in this chapter

### Ambition and Frustration

Will's ambition to leave Middlemarch and achieve celebrity is frustrated by his unresolved feelings for Dorothea and Mr. Brooke's withdrawal.

### Social Class and Provincial Life

The electioneering and gossip of Middlemarch highlight the provincial social dynamics and class distinctions.

### Money and Economic Pressure

Mr. Brooke's financial advances and the cost of the election campaign reflect economic pressures on the gentry.

## Character check-ins

### Will Ladislaw

Determined to stay in Middlemarch despite Mr. Brooke's hints that he should leave; feels the chasm between himself and Dorothea.

### Mr. Brooke

Withdraws from the election candidacy, citing health concerns, and later gives a floundering speech on the hustings.

### Tertius Lydgate

Seeks out Ladislaw to inform him about the Lowick living, but is rebuffed.

### Sir James Chettam

Indignantly remonstrates with Mr. Brooke, leading to Ladislaw being kept away from the Grange.

### Dorothea Brooke

Her widowhood is continually in Will's thoughts, though he avoids being spoken to about her.

## Key lines

> Without doubt he would leave Middlemarch, go to town, and make himself fit for celebrity by 'eating his dinners.'

He planned to leave Middlemarch for London to study law and gain fame.

_Will's ambition to become a barrister._

> We are forever divided,' said Will. 'I might as well be at Rome; she would be no farther from me.'

Will felt that he and Dorothea were permanently separated, as if distance made no difference.

_Will's despair over the social chasm between him and Dorothea._

> I'll take another glass of sherry, Ladislaw,' he said, with an easy air, to Will, who was close behind him, and presently handed him the supposed fortifier.

Mr. Brooke asked for a second glass of sherry to steady his nerves before speaking.

_Mr. Brooke's ill-advised drinking before his speech._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/middlemarch_se/chapters/li
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/middlemarch_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/middlemarch_se/chapters