Middlemarch · Chapter
XLVII explained
Will Ladislaw, after a heated discussion with Lydgate, wrestles with his decision to stay in Middlemarch and work for Mr.
What happens
Will Ladislaw, after a heated discussion with Lydgate, wrestles with his decision to stay in Middlemarch and work for Mr. Brooke, driven by his deep but seemingly hopeless devotion to Dorothea. Despite Mr. Casaubon's prohibition, he impulsively attends Lowick Church on Sunday to see her, only to find himself paralyzed by the awkwardness of the situation and the coldness of the encounter, leaving him miserable and regretful.
Themes in this chapter
Ambition and Frustration
Will Ladislaw's internal conflict over his role with Mr. Brooke and his unfulfilled aspirations, exacerbated by his inability to see Dorothea.
Selfishness and Moral Compromise
Will's decision to defy Mr. Casaubon's prohibition for his own emotional gratification, despite knowing it may cause pain or displeasure.
Marriage and Illusion
Will's idealized, almost poetic devotion to Dorothea contrasts with the reality of her marriage to Casaubon, highlighting the illusions surrounding love and possession.
Characters to notice
- Will Ladislaw
Struggles with his decision to stay in Middlemarch, driven by his devotion to Dorothea; attends Lowick Church against Casaubon's wishes, but feels humiliated and miserable.
- Tertius Lydgate
Has a discussion with Will Ladislaw that triggers Will's renewed doubts about his situation.
- Dorothea Brooke
Attends Lowick Church; bows to Will but appears agitated and on the verge of tears, leaving without speaking.
- Edward Casaubon
Sits opposite Will in church, seemingly aware of his presence; leaves immediately after the service without acknowledging him.
- Mr. Brooke
Mentioned as Will's chief in public exertions, contributing to Will's sense of compromised dignity.
Key passages
“Was never true love loved in vain, For truest love is highest gain. No art can make it: it must spring Where elements are fostering.”
True love is never wasted; it is its own reward and cannot be artificially created, but must grow naturally from favorable conditions.
Opening epigraph sets the theme of Will's seemingly unrequited love for Dorothea.
“He would not go out of her reach. He saw no creature among her friends to whom he could believe that she spoke with the same simple confidence as to him.”
Will is determined to stay near Dorothea, believing he is the only one she truly confides in.
Reveals Will's possessive devotion and his rationalization for remaining in Middlemarch.
“That will be a virtual defiance of Mr. Casaubon’s prohibition to visit Lowick, and Dorothea will be displeased.”
Going to Lowick Church would openly disobey Mr. Casaubon's ban and likely upset Dorothea.
Will's internal objection to his plan, which he ultimately overrules.
“It was no longer amusing to vex Mr. Casaubon, who had the advantage probably of watching him and seeing that he dared not turn his head.”
The joke of annoying Casaubon backfired, as Casaubon now had the upper hand, observing Will's discomfort.
Will's regret after realizing the awkwardness of his situation in church.