# Why Should He Go? explained — Orley Farm

> Chapter companion for Orley Farm by Anthony Trollope.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/orley_farm_se/chapters/xxxix-why-should-he-go
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/orley_farm_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/orley_farm_se/chapters