New Grub Street · Chapter
Interim explained
Jasper Milvain discusses his upcoming marriage with his sisters, Dora and Maud, and his plans to use Marian Yule's dowry to advance his social and literary position.
What happens
Jasper Milvain discusses his upcoming marriage with his sisters, Dora and Maud, and his plans to use Marian Yule's dowry to advance his social and literary position. He hosts an evening with Whelpdale, who entertains the group with stories of his hardships in America. Jasper reflects on his own ambitions and the compromises he has made, while also grappling with doubts about his choice of Marian over wealthier prospects like Miss Rupert.
Themes in this chapter
Ambition and Failure
Jasper outlines his calculated plan to use Marian's dowry to gain social position and literary reputation, contrasting with Reardon's failure to achieve recognition.
Marriage and Money
Jasper views marriage as a financial transaction, planning to spend Marian's dowry to advance his career, while Maud criticizes the smallness of the sum.
Artistic Integrity vs. Commercialism
Jasper argues that reputation must precede merit for success, advocating for self-promotion over artistic quality, and contrasts his approach with Reardon's neglected novels.
Characters to notice
- Jasper Milvain
Discusses his marriage plans and strategies for social advancement with his sisters; hosts Whelpdale and reflects on his ambitions and doubts.
- Dora Milvain
Supports Jasper's marriage and enjoys Whelpdale's company; asks about peanuts during his story.
- Maud Milvain
Displeased with Jasper's engagement to Marian, considering it a weak move; her ideas have expanded and she is influenced by Mrs. Lane.
- Whelpdale
Visits Jasper's gathering, tells stories of his hardships in America, and shows romantic interest in Dora.
- Marian Yule
Jasper's fiancée; she visits twice a week and is described as approving whatever Jasper thinks good.
Key passages
“You have to obtain reputation before you can get a fair hearing for that which would justify your repute.”
One must first become famous to have their work taken seriously, even if the work itself is what would justify that fame.
Jasper articulates his cynical view of the literary world's reliance on prior reputation.
“If a man can't hit upon any other way of attracting attention, let him dance on his head in the middle of the street; after that he may hope to get consideration for his volume of poems.”
If someone cannot gain notice through conventional means, they should resort to outrageous stunts to get attention for their work.
Jasper emphasizes the importance of self-promotion over artistic merit.