Orley Farm · Chapter
Why Should He Go? explained
Augustus Staveley and Sophia Furnival engage in a witty, flirtatious exchange about love and courtship, while Lady Staveley grows anxious over the romantic tensions in her household—particularly between her daughter Madeline and the convale
What happens
Augustus Staveley and Sophia Furnival engage in a witty, flirtatious exchange about love and courtship, while Lady Staveley grows anxious over the romantic tensions in her household—particularly between her daughter Madeline and the convalescing Felix Graham. Meanwhile, Felix Graham, still recovering from his injuries, confides in Augustus about his doubts regarding his engagement to Mary Snow, fearing she may not truly love him.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
The chapter explores the complexities of love and marriage through the flirtatious banter between Augustus and Sophia, and Felix's troubled engagement to Mary Snow.
Truth and Deception
Felix Graham questions the sincerity of his engagement, wondering if Mary Snow truly loves him or if she sees it as a convenient arrangement.
Social Class and Ambition
Augustus Staveley's comments about Felix's prospects and the suitability of matches reflect the importance of social standing and ambition in Victorian marriages.
Characters to notice
- Augustus Staveley
Engages in a flirtatious conversation with Sophia Furnival, discussing love and courtship.
- Sophia Furnival
Wittily parries Augustus Staveley's advances, critiquing his approach to romance.
- Lady Staveley
Worries about the romantic entanglements at Noningsby, particularly concerning Madeline and Felix Graham.
- Madeline Staveley
Pleads with her mother not to move Felix Graham from the house while he is still recovering.
- Felix Graham
Confides in Augustus Staveley about his doubts regarding his engagement to Mary Snow.
- Mrs. Baker
Assists in caring for Felix Graham and is aware of the growing attachment between him and Madeline.
Key passages
“Why strive to deserve any woman, when women are plenty who do not care to be deserved?”
Why bother trying to earn a woman's love when there are many women who don't require such effort?
Sophia Furnival criticizes men who take the easy path in courtship rather than genuinely striving to win a woman's heart.
“I'm beginning to have my doubts about this dear girl.”
I am starting to question my feelings about this young woman.
Felix Graham expresses uncertainty about his engagement to Mary Snow, fearing she may not love him.