Miss Marjoribanks · Chapter
XLIX explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Ashburton, newly elected Member for Carlingford, reflects on his feelings for Lucilla and the suitability of her as his wife, while Lucilla herself struggles with indecision between a sensible match and a romantic ideal. Meanwhile, Mr. Cavendish, defeated and disgraced, wanders to Mr. Lake's door, sealing his fate.
Themes in this chapter
Marriage as a Social Institution
Lucilla's internal debate centers on the practical and social advantages of marrying Mr. Ashburton, a suitable match for a woman of her position.
Self-Perception and Ego
Mr. Ashburton's confidence in his proposal and Lucilla's struggle between reason and romantic fantasy reveal their self-perceptions and desires.
Class and Social Hierarchy
Mr. Cavendish's fall from grace and Mr. Ashburton's rise as Member for Carlingford illustrate the shifting social hierarchy.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Ashburton
Contemplates his love for Lucilla and the future of his house at the Firs.
- Lucilla Marjoribanks
Torn between accepting Mr. Ashburton's sensible proposal and a romantic fantasy of 'other people'.
- Mr. Cavendish
Walks to Mr. Lake's door after his public humiliation, a decisive step in his fate.
- Barbara Lake
Thought of by Mr. Cavendish as a potential companion abroad.
- Aunt Jemima
Absents herself during Mr. Ashburton's visit, leaving Lucilla alone to face the proposal.
Key passages
“If his further course of action had been made in any way to depend upon the events of this day, it was now settled beyond all further uncertainty”
Mr. Ashburton's election victory confirmed his decision to propose to Lucilla.
Shows the link between his political success and personal intentions.
“Natural fitness was indeed so apparent, that many people would have been disposed to say that it was Lucilla’s duty to accept Mr. Ashburton”
Society expected Lucilla to marry Mr. Ashburton because of his ideal position.
Highlights the social pressure and perceived duty in marriage.
“Her mind was like a country held by two armies, one of which by turns swept the other into a corner, but only to be driven back in its turn.”
Lucilla's thoughts were torn between practical reason and romantic fantasy.
Metaphor for her indecision about accepting Mr. Ashburton.
“What if there might be someone in the world who was ready, not to offer her his hand and fortune in a reasonable way, as Mr. Ashburton no doubt would, but to throw himself all in a heap at her feet, and make the greatest fool of himself possible for her sake?”
Lucilla fantasizes about a passionate, irrational love rather than a sensible proposal.
Reveals her inner conflict between reason and emotion.
“the feet of the defeated candidate carried him, ere ever he was aware, with some kind of independent volition of their own, to Mr. Lake’s door”
Mr. Cavendish unconsciously walked to Barbara Lake's house, sealing his fate.
Emphasizes his lack of control and the decisive nature of this visit.