Middlemarch · Chapter
LXXIV explained
Mrs.
What happens
Mrs. Bulstrode becomes aware of the town's bad opinion of her husband. She learns the truth from Mrs. Hackbutt and, after a period of private anguish, resolves to stand by him. She removes her ornaments, dresses plainly, and goes to him, offering silent comfort and solidarity.
Themes in this chapter
Community and Gossip
The chapter extensively explores how Middlemarch society discusses and judges the Bulstrode scandal, with women using 'candor' and 'charity' to inform Mrs. Bulstrode of her husband's disgrace.
Marriage and Illusion
Mrs. Bulstrode's initial ignorance and subsequent confrontation with the truth about her husband shatters the illusion of their marriage, yet she chooses to stand by him.
Selfishness and Moral Compromise
Bulstrode's past actions and the moral compromise they represent are the hidden cause of the scandal, while Mrs. Bulstrode's decision to remain faithful highlights a contrasting moral stance.
Characters to notice
- Mrs. Bulstrode
Learns of her husband's disgrace, undergoes a private crisis, and resolves to share his shame without reproach.
- Nicholas Bulstrode
Awaits his wife's reaction in anguish; is withered and shrunken, and weeps when she offers comfort.
- Rosamond Vincy
Mentioned as a fellow victim of scandal, associated with her aunt's misfortune.
- Mrs. Hackbutt
One of the gossips who discusses the Bulstrode scandal and informs Mrs. Bulstrode of the truth.
- Tertius Lydgate
Evasively answers Mrs. Bulstrode's questions about her husband's health, avoiding the painful revelation.
Key passages
“In Middlemarch a wife could not long remain ignorant that the town held a bad opinion of her husband.”
In Middlemarch, a wife would quickly learn that the community thought poorly of her husband.
Sets the stage for Mrs. Bulstrode's inevitable discovery of the scandal.
“She took off all her ornaments and put on a plain black gown, and instead of wearing her much-adorned cap and large bows of hair, she brushed her hair down and put on a plain bonnet-cap, which made her look suddenly like an early Methodist.”
She removed her jewelry and fancy clothes, dressed in simple black, and styled her hair plainly, resembling an early Methodist.
Symbolizes her renunciation of pride and embrace of humility before facing her husband.
“Look up, Nicholas.”
Raise your eyes, Nicholas.
Her first words to him after learning the truth, offering a gentle command to face her.