Phoebe, Junior · Chapter
The Leading Member explained
This chapter introduces the Copperhead family, focusing on Mrs.
What happens
This chapter introduces the Copperhead family, focusing on Mrs. Copperhead, a former governess now married to the wealthy and vulgar Mr. Copperhead, and their son Clarence, a large, mild-mannered Oxford student. Mr. Copperhead dominates the household with his coarse humor and pride in his useless, expensive son, while Mrs. Copperhead and Clarence endure his ridicule. The chapter ends with Clarence expressing discomfort at his father's treatment of his mother.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Mobility
Mrs. Copperhead's transition from governess to wealthy wife highlights the precarious nature of social mobility, as she remains emotionally oppressed despite material comfort.
Wealth and Power
Mr. Copperhead's pride in his useless son and expensive possessions reflects his view of wealth as a means to display power and status, even through waste.
Marriage and Ambition
The Copperhead marriage is a transactional arrangement where Mrs. Copperhead's gentility is traded for financial security, yet she remains subjugated.
Characters to notice
- Mrs. Copperhead
The timid, refined former governess who married into wealth but remains anxious and submissive under her husband's ridicule.
- Clarence Copperhead
The only child of Mr. and Mrs. Copperhead, a large, mild Oxford student who is useless in business but valued by his father as a costly ornament.
- Joe
Mr. Copperhead's second son from his first family, a portly, loud man with a large wife, whom Mr. Copperhead visits for refreshment.
Key passages
“Poor little woman! What a change from the governess-chrysalis who was snubbed by her pupil and neglected by everybody! and yet I am not sure that she did not—so inconsistent is human nature—look back to those melancholy days with a sigh.”
Despite her luxurious life, Mrs. Copperhead sometimes nostalgically misses her difficult days as a governess.
Highlights the theme of appearance vs. reality and the emotional cost of social climbing.
“He had plenty of useful sons as he had of useful money. The one who was of no use was the apex and glory of the whole.”
Mr. Copperhead values Clarence precisely because he is useless and expensive, like a luxury item.
Illustrates Mr. Copperhead's pride in conspicuous consumption and his view of people as assets.
“I hope you don't mind, mamma; I don't suppose you do; but I don't like the way my father speaks to you.”
Clarence tells his mother he dislikes how his father treats her, though he continues eating without pressing the issue.
Shows Clarence's mild concern and the family's passive acceptance of Mr. Copperhead's dominance.