# LXXII explained — Middlemarch

> Chapter companion for Middlemarch by George Eliot.

## What happens

Dorothea passionately argues for defending Lydgate against calumny, but is met with cautious resistance from Mr. Farebrother and Sir James Chettam, who advise waiting. She resolves to approach Lydgate directly, asserting the moral duty of sympathy over prudence.

## Themes in this chapter

### Selfishness and Moral Compromise

Dorothea's insistence on defending Lydgate contrasts with the cautious self-interest of others, highlighting the moral compromise inherent in inaction.

### Gender Roles and Women's Agency

Dorothea's struggle to act on her convictions against the advice of men illustrates the constraints on women's agency in moral and public matters.

## Character check-ins

### Dorothea Brooke

Impetuously argues for vindicating Lydgate, feeling discontent with cautious counsel, and resolves to seek his confidence.

### Camden Farebrother

Advises caution in approaching Lydgate, but is nearly converted by Dorothea's ardor.

### Sir James Chettam

Anxiously opposes Dorothea's plan, urging her to wait and not meddle with the Bulstrode affair.

### Celia Brooke

Tries to persuade Dorothea to submit to James's judgment, arguing that men know best.

### Mr. Brooke

Vaguely contributes to the discussion, warning against going too far and overspending.

## Key lines

> What do we live for, if it is not to make life less difficult to each other?

Dorothea argues that the purpose of life is to ease each other's burdens.

_Dorothea's moral philosophy of active sympathy._

> character is not cut in marble—it is not something solid and unalterable. It is something living and changing, and may become diseased as our bodies do.

Farebrother suggests that character is fluid and can be corrupted by circumstances.

_Farebrother's pragmatic view of moral character._

> People glorify all sorts of bravery except the bravery they might show on behalf of their nearest neighbors.

Dorothea criticizes society for overlooking the courage needed to help those close to us.

_Dorothea's call for neighborly courage._

## Links

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