# XLIII explained — Middlemarch

> Chapter companion for Middlemarch by George Eliot.

## What happens

Dorothea, seeking to learn the truth about her husband's health, visits Lydgate's home but finds him absent. She meets Rosamond and unexpectedly encounters Will Ladislaw, who is visiting. A sudden unease prompts Dorothea to leave abruptly and drive to the Hospital to see Lydgate directly, while Will feels mortified by the awkward encounter.

## Themes in this chapter

### Marriage and Illusion

Dorothea's secret errand to learn about Casaubon's health reveals the lack of openness in their marriage, while Rosamond's vanity and Lydgate's ambitions show the illusions in their own union.

### Gender Roles and Women's Agency

Dorothea takes independent action by driving alone and seeking knowledge, yet feels guilt and concealment; Rosamond exercises power through beauty and social manipulation within the constraints of marriage.

### Ambition and Frustration

Lydgate expresses his desire to do 'worthy the writing' and rise above Middlemarch, while Rosamond's vanity and social aspirations create tension in their relationship.

## Character check-ins

### Dorothea Brooke

Drives alone to Middlemarch to see Lydgate about her husband's health; meets Rosamond and Will Ladislaw; leaves abruptly feeling confused and unhappy.

### Rosamond Vincy

Receives Dorothea at home; is pleased to be studied by a county divinity; later discusses Will Ladislaw's admiration for Dorothea with Lydgate.

### Will Ladislaw

Visiting Rosamond when Dorothea arrives; offers to fetch Lydgate; feels mortified after Dorothea leaves abruptly.

### Tertius Lydgate

Not at home when Dorothea calls; later meets her at the Hospital; discusses his ambitions and Rosamond's vanity with his wife.

### Edward Casaubon

Referenced as Dorothea's husband; she fears he is concealing a change in his health and has begun a new method of arranging notes.

## Key lines

> Poor Dorothea needed to lay up stores of patience.

Dorothea had to prepare herself for enduring difficulties.

_Reflects Dorothea's growing awareness of the challenges in her marriage._

> What is the use of being exquisite if you are not seen by the best judges?

There is no point in being beautiful if the most discerning people do not see you.

_Highlights Rosamond's vanity and desire for social recognition._

> A man must work, to do that, my pet.

A man has to labor in order to achieve something worthwhile.

_Lydgate's assertion of his professional ambition to Rosamond._

## Links

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