Orley Farm · Chapter
John Kenneby's Courtship explained
Mrs.
What happens
Mrs. Moulder attempts to arrange a marriage between her brother John Kenneby and Mrs. Smiley, a widow with an independent income. The evening is complicated by the return of Mr. Moulder, who is tired and irritable after a journey, and his drunkenness threatens to disrupt the courtship. Despite his behavior, the couple eventually agree to marry.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
The chapter centers on a practical courtship between John Kenneby and Mrs. Smiley, driven by financial security and family pressure rather than romantic passion.
Social Class and Ambition
Mrs. Smiley's independent income from brick-fields and her wardrobe are emphasized, highlighting the economic considerations in marriage among the lower middle class.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Kenneby
John Kenneby is the reluctant suitor, urged by his sister Mrs. Moulder to propose to Mrs. Smiley. He hesitates and reflects on the past before agreeing.
- Mrs. Moulder
Mrs. Moulder orchestrates the courtship between her brother and Mrs. Smiley, while trying to manage her drunken husband's behavior.
- Mr. Moulder
Mr. Moulder returns home drunk and irritable, disrupting the planned evening. He falls asleep in his chair, snoring loudly.
- Mother Smiley
Mrs. Smiley is the widow with a two-hundred-a-year income from brick-fields. She is courted by John Kenneby and accepts his proposal.
Key passages
“She's as sweet a temper, John, as ever stirred a lump of sugar in her tea”
Mrs. Moulder praises Mrs. Smiley's even-tempered nature to her brother.
Mrs. Moulder uses a domestic metaphor to commend Mrs. Smiley's disposition.
“I'm sure I shall be very happy, if she likes it. She says that she respects me, and I'm sure I've a great respect for her.”
John Kenneby agrees to the marriage, emphasizing mutual respect rather than love.
John's acceptance reflects the pragmatic view of marriage common in the Victorian era.