An Anniversary Occasion explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Social Class and Mobility

  Twemlow's reflections on being a poor relation of Lord Snigsworth and his comparison to a hack horse-driver illustrate the rigid class structure and the precarious position of those dependent on wealthy relatives.

• Charity and Hypocrisy

  The superficiality of the social gathering, with Lady Tippins's insincere banter and the guests' performative interest in stories, underscores the hypocrisy underlying polite society.

• Identity and Disguise

  The retraction of charges against Lizzie Hexam's father, delivered by an anonymous messenger in a dark cloak and slouched hat, introduces an element of hidden identity and mystery.

Characters to notice

• Twemlow

  Twemlow dresses himself in his lodgings and reflects on his position as a poor relation of Lord Snigsworth. He attends the Lammles' anniversary breakfast, feeling stiff and aged.

• Lady Tippins

  Lady Tippins arrives in a one-horse carriage and engages in playful banter with the guests. She is lively and flirtatious, drinking grape-juice and attempting to draw stories from Mortimer Lightwood.

• Mortimer Lightwood

  Mortimer is seated opposite Lady Tippins and is pressed to tell a story. He reluctantly recounts the retraction of charges against Lizzie Hexam's father, feeling uneasy about the topic in Eugene's presence.

• Eugene Wrayburn

  Eugene stands moodily by a window, swinging a blind tassel. He interrupts Mortimer's story impatiently, showing vexation, and is playfully called 'Beast' by Lady Tippins.

• Alfred Lammle

  Alfred Lammle hosts the anniversary breakfast with his wife. He is described as 'all aglitter' and introduces Fledgeby to the guests, also proclaiming the sequel to the story of the Man from Somewhere.

• Sophronia Lammle

  Sophronia Lammle is seated at the table, with Twemlow repeatedly mistaking her glances as directed at him, though she seems to have her eyes on Veneering.

• Fledgeby

  Fledgeby is presented to Lady Tippins and Twemlow. He appears awkward and socially inept, claiming he does not like town and backing into the background.

• Mr. Veneering

  Veneering, now an M.P., is present at the breakfast. His attention is described as 'rather used up' and difficult to hold, reflecting his new parliamentary duties.

Key passages

• “The estimable Twemlow, dressing himself in his lodgings over the stable-yard in Duke Street, Saint James's, and hearing the horses at their toilette below, finds himself on the whole in a disadvantageous position as compared with the noble animals at livery.”

  Twemlow, getting dressed in his small rooms above a stable, feels worse off than the horses being groomed below.

  Highlights Twemlow's low social status and lack of servants, contrasting with the care given to horses.

• “Lady Tippins partaking plentifully of the fruits of the earth (including grape-juice in the category) becomes livelier, and applies herself to elicit sparks from Mortimer Lightwood.”

  Lady Tippins, drinking wine freely, grows more animated and tries to provoke interesting conversation from Mortimer Lightwood.

  Shows Lady Tippins's role as a social instigator and her fondness for alcohol.

• “It's like—' 'It's like,' impatiently interrupts Eugene, 'the children's narrative: "I'll tell you a story Of Jack a Manory, And now my story's begun; I'll tell you another Of Jack and his brother, And now my story is done." —Get on, and get it over!'”

  Eugene cuts off Mortimer's attempt to introduce a story, comparing it to a childish rhyme and urging him to finish quickly.

  Reveals Eugene's impatience and his desire to avoid the topic of Lizzie Hexam.