Middlemarch · Chapter
LIX explained
Fred Vincy inadvertently spreads news of Mr.
What happens
Fred Vincy inadvertently spreads news of Mr. Casaubon's codicil, which disinherits Dorothea if she marries Will Ladislaw. Rosamond, eager to provoke a reaction, reveals the codicil to Will, who reacts with shock and anger, declaring that no marriage will occur.
Themes in this chapter
Marriage and Illusion
The codicil reveals Casaubon's posthumous attempt to control Dorothea's marriage, exposing the illusion of autonomy within marital bonds.
Selfishness and Moral Compromise
Rosamond's deliberate revelation of the codicil to Will is driven by egoism and a desire to provoke, showing moral compromise for personal amusement.
Community and Gossip
The news of the codicil spreads through the community via servants and family members, illustrating the pervasive role of gossip in Middlemarch.
Characters to notice
- Fred Vincy
Fred hears the news about the codicil at Lowick Parsonage and later mentions it to Rosamond.
- Rosamond Vincy
Rosamond learns the news from Fred and deliberately tells Will Ladislaw about the codicil, seeking to evoke an emotional reaction.
- Will Ladislaw
Will is shocked and angered upon learning from Rosamond that Dorothea would forfeit her property if she marries him.
- Tertius Lydgate
Lydgate knows more than he tells and warns Rosamond not to hint about the codicil to Will, but she disregards his advice.
- Mary Garth
Mary is present at Lowick Parsonage during the discussion of the codicil and makes a humorous comment about spiders.
- Camden Farebrother
Mr. Farebrother is noted for knowing the fact about the codicil but not revealing it.
Key passages
“News is often dispersed as thoughtlessly and effectively as that pollen which the bees carry off (having no idea how powdery they are) when they are buzzing in search of their particular nectar.”
Gossip spreads carelessly and efficiently, like bees unknowingly carrying pollen while searching for nectar.
This simile introduces the chapter's theme of how news circulates in Middlemarch.
“There really is nothing to care for much, said poor Rosamond inwardly, thinking of the family at Quallingham, who did not write to her; and that perhaps Tertius when he came home would tease her about expenses.”
Rosamond feels bored and dissatisfied, reflecting on her neglect by the Quallingham family and her husband's likely complaints about spending.
This reveals Rosamond's ennui and selfish concerns after her manipulation of Will.