Middlemarch · Chapter
XXXVIII explained
Sir James Chettam, Mrs.
What happens
Sir James Chettam, Mrs. Cadwallader, and the Rector discuss Mr. Brooke's political campaign and his hiring of Will Ladislaw for the Pioneer newspaper. They criticize Ladislaw's character and worry about Brooke's mismanagement of his estate. Sir James advocates for rehiring Caleb Garth to improve the land, while the Rector reads a scathing attack from the Trumpet newspaper. Mr. Brooke joins them, trying to dismiss the criticism but showing nervousness. The conversation touches on Dorothea's isolation due to Casaubon's illness and the financial and social risks of Brooke's candidacy.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Provincial Life
The conversation reveals class tensions and provincial gossip about Brooke's campaign, Ladislaw's low status as a 'newspaper fellow,' and the importance of land management in Middlemarch society.
Money and Economic Pressure
Discussions of election expenses, stinginess on the estate, and the financial risks of political candidacy highlight economic pressures on landowners and tenants.
Ambition and Frustration
Brooke's political ambitions clash with his incompetence and the criticism from his peers; Sir James's frustration with Brooke's mismanagement is evident.
Characters to notice
- Sir James Chettam
Expresses concern about Will Ladislaw's influence on Mr. Brooke and the mismanagement of the Tipton estate; advocates for Caleb Garth's return.
- Mrs. Cadwallader
Criticizes Ladislaw as a 'Byronic hero' and 'amorous conspirator'; jokes about using leeches to scare Brooke about election expenses.
- Mr. Brooke
Joins the conversation after being attacked in the Trumpet; tries to dismiss the satire but shows nervousness; defends his political system.
- Mr. Cadwallader
Reads the Trumpet article aloud; suggests Brooke hire Garth to improve the estate and silence critics.
- Will Ladislaw
Discussed as a dangerous influence on Brooke; his role at the Pioneer is criticized by the group.
- Dorothea Brooke
Mentioned as having good notions about estate management but now isolated by Casaubon's illness.
Key passages
“Oh, he's a dangerous young sprig, that Mr. Ladislaw, with his opera songs and his ready tongue. A sort of Byronic hero—an amorous conspirator, it strikes me.”
Mrs. Cadwallader calls Ladislaw a reckless and charming young man, comparing him to a romantic and rebellious figure.
Highlights the community's suspicion of Ladislaw's character and his perceived threat to social order.
“What we good stingy people don't like, is having our sixpences sucked away from us.”
Mrs. Cadwallader says that thrifty people hate losing money, even small amounts.
Reflects the theme of economic pressure and the practical concerns of the landed gentry.
“I don't believe a man is in pocket by stinginess on his land.”
Sir James argues that being cheap on farm maintenance doesn't actually save money in the long run.
Shows Sir James's progressive views on estate management versus Brooke's neglect.