Orley Farm · Chapter
XL: I Call It Awful explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Furnival returns home to find Martha Biggs still present, deepening the domestic tension with Mrs. Furnival. He reflects on Sir Peregrine's announcement of his intended marriage to Lady Mason, feeling anger and jealousy. He resolves not to defend Lady Mason in court if she marries Sir Peregrine before the trial, and considers withdrawing from the case.
Themes in this chapter
Reputation and Scandal
Martha Biggs and Mrs. Furnival amplify the scandal surrounding Mr. Furnival and Lady Mason, reflecting the power of gossip.
Truth and Deception
Mr. Furnival's internal conflict over Lady Mason's probable guilt and his jealousy reveals the blurred lines between truth and self-interest.
Law and Morality
Mr. Furnival grapples with the ethical implications of defending a client he believes to be guilty, especially as her actions affect Sir Peregrine.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Furnival
Struggles with jealousy and moral conflict over Lady Mason's engagement to Sir Peregrine; considers withdrawing from her legal defense.
- Mrs. Furnival
Determined to keep Martha Biggs as a witness to her husband's behavior, preparing for marital conflict.
- Martha Biggs
Remains in the Furnival home, relishing the scandal and fueling Mrs. Furnival's suspicions about Lady Mason.
- Sir Peregrine Orme
Announces his intention to marry Lady Mason, determined to support her despite the impending trial.
- Lady Mason
The subject of Mr. Furnival's jealousy and moral outrage; her engagement to Sir Peregrine complicates her legal defense.
Key passages
“I call it awful.”
Martha Biggs declares the situation scandalous and shocking.
Reflects the moral outrage and gossip surrounding Mr. Furnival's relationship with Lady Mason.
“Bail will be taken!”
Mr. Furnival informs Sir Peregrine that Lady Mason will need to post bail to avoid imprisonment before the trial.
Highlights the legal jeopardy Lady Mason faces and Sir Peregrine's chivalric resolve.
“Though he believed her to have been guilty of this thing, though he believed her to be now guilty of the worse offence of dragging the baronet to his ruin, still he was jealous of her regard.”
Despite thinking Lady Mason guilty of forgery and of harming Sir Peregrine, Mr. Furnival feels jealous that she prefers the baronet's support over his own.
Reveals Mr. Furnival's complex emotions and professional jealousy.