Chapter XVIII explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Performance and Appearance

  Mrs. Woodburn's mimicry and Barbara's visible dejection highlight the theme of social performance and the importance of maintaining appearances.

• Community and Gossip

  The evening's events are scrutinized by the community, with Mrs. Chiley using Barbara's behavior as a moral lesson, and Lucilla's concerns about an impostor reflecting the community's reliance on reputation.

Characters to notice

• Lucilla Marjoribanks

  Hosts the evening with magnanimity, stands by her friends, and shows kindness to Barbara despite her own concerns about an impostor.

• Mrs. Woodburn

  Gives a brilliant mimicry of the Archdeacon, reaching an apotheosis of her talent, and rudely dismisses Barbara's inquiry about her brother.

• Barbara Lake

  Appears dejected and red-eyed after being jilted, ignored by most, and receives only a word of kindness from Lucilla.

• Rose Lake

  Brings her brother's Preraphaelite sketches, attracts attention, but feels used by Lucilla; sympathizes with Barbara.

• Mrs. Chiley

  Lucilla's partisan and champion, lectures young girls about not showing disappointment and worries about Lucilla's trust in the Archdeacon.

Key passages

• “Her instinct, even when reason suggested that she should be doubtful of them, was always to side with her own friends; and though there might be persons included in that sacred number who were scarcely worthy of the character, yet Lucilla, like every lofty character, could act but according to her own nature, and could not forsake anyone whom she supposed to be thus mysteriously and darkly assailed.”

  Lucilla's natural inclination was to support her friends, even when logic told her to be suspicious, and she would not abandon anyone she believed was being unfairly attacked.

  Highlights Lucilla's loyalty and magnanimity, a key aspect of her character.

• “She took him off to his very face, and he never found it out, though everybody else did, and the house shook with restrained laughter.”

  Mrs. Woodburn mimicked the Archdeacon so skillfully that he did not realize he was being imitated, while the rest of the guests struggled to contain their laughter.

  Illustrates Mrs. Woodburn's talent and the social dynamics of the evening.

• “A disappointment may happen to anyone; but, my dears, whatever you do, don’t show it like that! It makes me ashamed of my sex.”

  Mrs. Chiley advises young women that while disappointment is natural, they should never display it so openly, as it reflects poorly on their gender.

  Reflects Victorian expectations of emotional restraint, especially for women.