Miss Marjoribanks · Chapter
II explained
This chapter details Lucilla Marjoribanks's final departure from school and her ambitious plans to revolutionize society in Carlingford.
What happens
This chapter details Lucilla Marjoribanks's final departure from school and her ambitious plans to revolutionize society in Carlingford. It describes her strong-willed character, her egoism, and her strategic approach to using her father's dinners as a means to secure social influence. The chapter also introduces Rose Lake, a talented but poor drawing student, and reflects on Dr. Marjoribanks's comfortable bachelor life and the community's anticipation of Lucilla's return.
Themes in this chapter
Self-Perception and Ego
Lucilla's profound conviction of her own importance and her belief that her doings are the most interesting subject to others.
Social Ambition and Control
Lucilla's plan to revolutionize Carlingford society through strategic dinner parties and her desire to be a leader.
Class and Social Hierarchy
The distinction between Lucilla's high status and Rose Lake's inferior position, and the community's interest in the Doctor's household.
Performance and Appearance
Lucilla's awareness of the importance of appearances, such as her travels and conversation, to maintain her role as a social leader.
Characters to notice
- Lucilla Marjoribanks
The protagonist, returning home with a mission to reorganize Carlingford society; she is self-assured, strategic, and determined.
- Dr. Marjoribanks
Lucilla's father, a widower who manages well with his cook Nancy and is content with his bachelor life.
- Rose Lake
A poor drawing student at Mount Pleasant, talented in art, who designs a handkerchief for Lucilla and is seen as a useful instrument for Lucilla's plans.
- Fanny Middleton
A sixteen-year-old schoolfriend of Lucilla's, inquisitive but inexperienced, who questions Lucilla's future plans.
- Miss Martha Blount
The second sister and directing spirit of the school Mount Pleasant, who taught Lucilla political economy.
- Nancy
The redoubtable cook in Dr. Marjoribanks's household, known for her skill and independence; rumored to have clashed with Lucilla.
- Mrs. Chiley
A lady of Grange Lane who tries to coax recipes from Dr. Marjoribanks and is fond of good living.
- Mrs. Woodburn
A gentle young matron who sympathizes with the cook and comments on the household's demands.
Key passages
“the energy and determination to have her own way, which naturally belonged to a girl who possessed a considerable chin, and a mouth which could shut, and tightly curling tawny tresses, which were still more determined than she was to be arranged only according to their inclination.”
Lucilla's strong will was evident in her physical features: a prominent chin, a firm mouth, and curly hair that resisted styling.
Describes Lucilla's determined character through her appearance.
“She was possessed by nature of that kind of egotism, or rather egoism, which is predestined to impress itself, by its perfect reality and good faith, upon the surrounding world.”
Lucilla had a natural self-centeredness that, because it was genuine and sincere, influenced those around her.
Explains Lucilla's egoism and its effect on others.
“One thing she had made up her mind to as soon as she should return home, and that was to revolutionise society in Carlingford.”
Lucilla was determined to transform Carlingford's social scene upon her return.
States Lucilla's primary goal for her homecoming.
“She was going abroad as the heir-apparent went to America and the Holy Land, to complete her education, and fit herself, by an examination of the peculiarities of other nations, for an illustrious and glorious reign at home.”
Lucilla viewed her travels as a royal tour to prepare herself for ruling Carlingford society.
Metaphorically compares Lucilla's journey to that of a future monarch.
