Dinner at the Cleeve explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Social Class and Ambition

  Lucius's internal conflict between democratic ideals and the awe inspired by the Ormes' rank; Lady Mason's careful cultivation of Sir Peregrine's favor.

• Family and Loyalty

  Lady Mason's fear of losing Lucius to marriage; Mrs. Orme's devotion to Sir Peregrine and her son.

Characters to notice

• Lady Mason

  Anxious about her friendship with Sir Peregrine and Mrs. Orme; asks Lucius to be forbearing with Sir Peregrine.

• Lucius Mason

  Reluctantly agrees to be forbearing; feels awed by the Ormes despite his democratic principles.

• Sir Peregrine Orme

  Hosts the dinner; intends to lecture Lucius on farming; shows majesty and authority.

• Mrs. Orme

  Desires friendship with Lady Mason; speaks of loneliness and hopes for Peregrine's early marriage.

• Young Peregrine

  Converses about hunting and farming; encourages Lucius to hunt.

Key passages

• “Lucius, my dear, I want you to do me a great favour... It is that you will bear with Sir Peregrine tonight.”

  Lady Mason asks Lucius to be patient and not contradict Sir Peregrine during dinner.

  Shows Lady Mason's anxiety about maintaining Sir Peregrine's goodwill.

• “It is always so in England... Sir Peregrine is a man of family, and a baronet; of course all the world, the world of Hamworth that is, should bow down at his feet.”

  Lucius sarcastically criticizes the deference shown to Sir Peregrine due to his title.

  Highlights Lucius's democratic resentment of social hierarchy.

• “I also am very much alone, though perhaps not so much as you are, Lady Mason.”

  Mrs. Orme expresses her own loneliness, comparing it to Lady Mason's.

  Reveals Mrs. Orme's desire for a close friendship.