# XXXVI explained — Miss Marjoribanks

> Chapter companion for Miss Marjoribanks by Margaret Oliphant.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/xxxvi
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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters