Miss Marjoribanks · Chapter
XXXVI explained
Lucilla begins the second period of her career with diminished hopes but unabated courage, having learned that her best efforts often go unrewarded and that she has not received the expected tribute of proposals.
What happens
Lucilla begins the second period of her career with diminished hopes but unabated courage, having learned that her best efforts often go unrewarded and that she has not received the expected tribute of proposals. Despite these disappointments, she resumes her social mission in Carlingford with magnanimity and philanthropy.
Themes in this chapter
Self-Perception and Ego
Lucilla's reflection on the lack of proposals and her magnanimous response highlights her self-perception and ego.
Performance and Appearance
Lucilla's continued social campaign despite personal disappointment underscores the performance of social roles.
Practicality vs. Romance
Lucilla's practical approach to her social duties contrasts with the romantic ideal of marriage as the ultimate reward.
Characters to notice
- Lucilla Marjoribanks
Enters the second period of her career with a sense of failure but undaunted courage, facing the lack of proposals and continuing her social work.
- Barbara Lake
Gets a situation as a governess and leaves Carlingford.
- Rose Lake
Relinquishes her Career with bitter tears, and Lucilla supports her.
- Archdeacon Beverley
Married Mrs. Mortimer instead of proposing to Lucilla.
- Mr. Cavendish
Was led away by Barbara Lake instead of proposing to Lucilla.
- General Travers
His decision contributes to Lucilla giving up hope of the officers.
Key passages
“She began the second period of her career with, to some certain extent, that sense of failure which is inevitable to every high intelligence after a little intercourse with the world.”
Lucilla starts a new phase of her life feeling somewhat defeated, as all intelligent people do after gaining some worldly experience.
Describes Lucilla's transition into a more mature phase.
“It is true that she was not so joyful and triumphant a figure as when she conquered Nancy, and won over Dr. Marjoribanks, and electrified Mr. Holden by choosing curtains which suited her complexion; but with her diminished hopes and increased experience and unabated courage, no doubt Miss Marjoribanks presented a still nobler and more imposing aspect.”
Though less exuberant than in her early triumphs, Lucilla now appears more noble and imposing due to her experience and steadfast courage.
Highlights Lucilla's growth and resilience.
“The year had passed away, and society had laid no tribute of this description upon Lucilla's shrine.”
A year had gone by without any man proposing to Lucilla, which society considers the ultimate compliment to a woman.
Reflects on the lack of proposals as a social slight.