# To the Winning Side explained — New Grub Street

> Chapter companion for New Grub Street by George Gissing.

## What happens

Jasper Milvain visits Marian Yule at her father's study, revealing his financial struggles and his sisters' impending move to London. He confesses his selfishness and ambition, while Marian grapples with her feelings and her father's disapproval. Later, after Mrs. Milvain's death, Jasper calls again, leading to a tense encounter.

## Themes in this chapter

### Ambition and Failure

Jasper confesses his selfish ambition and fear of failure, while Marian observes his calculated steps.

### Gender Roles and Women's Position

The Milvain sisters face the choice between governessing and risky literary work, highlighting women's limited options.

### Friendship and Betrayal

Alfred Yule's distrust of Jasper due to his alliance with Fadge, and Marian's conflicted loyalty.

## Character check-ins

### Jasper Milvain

Visits Marian, confesses his faults and ambitions, discusses his sisters' move to London.

### Marian Yule

Receives Jasper's visit, feels conflicted about her father's disapproval and her own feelings.

### Alfred Yule

Discusses Jasper with his wife, disapproves of the connection due to Jasper's alliance with Fadge.

### Dora Milvain

Corresponds with Marian, announces Mrs. Milvain's death and the publication of their book.

### Maud Milvain

Mentioned as having a difficult temperament, part of the sisters moving to London.

### Mrs. Milvain

Dies suddenly, leaving her daughters to depend on themselves.

## Key lines

> Selfishness—that’s one of my faults. It isn’t a brutal kind of selfishness; the thought of it often enough troubles me. If I were rich, I should be a generous and good man; I know I should.

Jasper admits his selfishness is not cruel but is driven by poverty; he believes wealth would make him virtuous.

_Jasper's self-justification and critique of his own character._

> I shall do many a base thing in life, just to get money and reputation; I tell you this that you mayn’t be surprised if anything of that kind comes to your ears.

Jasper warns Marian that he will act unethically to achieve success, preparing her for future disappointments.

_Jasper's frank confession of his pragmatic morality._

> There was no good in having the fellow here. He has got in with a set that I don’t at all care for.

Alfred Yule decides that Jasper's association with Fadge makes him an unsuitable acquaintance for Marian.

_Yule's disapproval based on literary politics._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/new_grub_street_se/chapters/viii-to-the-winning-side
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/new_grub_street_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/new_grub_street_se/chapters