Middlemarch · Chapter
LXXXIV explained
Sir James Chettam, Mr.
What happens
Sir James Chettam, Mr. Brooke, the Rector, Mrs. Cadwallader, Lady Chettam, and Celia discuss Dorothea's decision to marry Will Ladislaw, which they view as a scandalous and imprudent match. Sir James is particularly upset, feeling Dorothea has done wrong, while Mr. Brooke reluctantly agrees to give her away and considers cutting off the entail. Celia visits Dorothea to plead with her, but Dorothea firmly affirms her intention to marry Ladislaw, explaining that she has never been able to carry out her own plans before.
Themes in this chapter
Marriage and Illusion
Dorothea's decision to marry Will Ladislaw challenges societal expectations and the illusion of propriety, as her family views the match as a scandalous departure from her previous ideals.
Social Class and Provincial Life
The characters' reactions highlight class prejudices: Ladislaw's lack of estate and income makes him an unsuitable match in the eyes of provincial society.
Gender Roles and Women's Agency
Dorothea asserts her agency by choosing to marry for love despite family opposition, financial sacrifice, and social censure, defying the passive role expected of women.
Characters to notice
- Sir James Chettam
Expresses strong disapproval of Dorothea's marriage to Ladislaw, calling it a wrong action, and is too pained to see her again.
- Mr. Brooke
Reluctantly supports Dorothea's decision, offering to give her away and consider cutting off the entail, while trying to appease Sir James.
- Celia Brooke
Visits Dorothea to express her disappointment and concern about the marriage, but ultimately accepts Dorothea's resolve.
- Dorothea Brooke
Firmly decides to marry Will Ladislaw, explaining to Celia that she has never been able to carry out her own plans before.
- Mrs. Cadwallader
Offers caustic commentary on the situation, suggesting that Casaubon's actions made Ladislaw tempting.
- Camden Farebrother
Defends Dorothea's choice as imprudent but not wrong, and gently rebukes Sir James for condemning it based on personal discomfort.
Key passages
“I think that Dorothea commits a wrong action in marrying Ladislaw.”
Sir James Chettam believes Dorothea is morally wrong to marry Ladislaw.
Sir James expresses his strong disapproval of the match, viewing it as a breach of propriety.
“I have promised to marry Mr. Ladislaw; and I am going to marry him.”
Dorothea firmly states her commitment to marry Will Ladislaw despite objections.
Dorothea asserts her decision to Celia, showing her resolve.
“I never could do anything that I liked. I have never carried out any plan yet.”
Dorothea reflects that she has never been able to follow her own desires or complete any of her plans.
Dorothea explains to Celia that her marriage to Ladislaw is the first time she is acting on her own wishes.