# IV: What Shall Be Done About It? explained — Rachel Ray

> Chapter companion for Rachel Ray by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

The chapter opens with Rachel returning home to find her sister Dorothea (Mrs. Prime) confronting her about being seen alone with Luke Rowan in the churchyard. Mrs. Prime insists that Rachel must be disciplined, and threatens to leave the cottage if her mother does not take action. Rachel defends herself, claiming she did nothing wrong, and asks to speak privately with her mother. The next day, the family attends church in gloomy silence, unable to discuss the matter. Meanwhile, Luke Rowan reflects on the encounter, admiring Rachel's womanly spirit and thinking about his future.

## Themes in this chapter

### Gossip and Reputation

Mrs. Prime's accusation and the family's fear of public shame highlight the importance of reputation in a small community.

### Family and Filial Duty

The conflict between Rachel and her sister, and Mrs. Ray's struggle to maintain authority, underscores the tensions within the family.

### Gender Roles and Independence

Rachel's defiance of her sister's strict expectations and her desire to explain herself to her mother reflect the limited agency of women in Victorian society.

## Character check-ins

### Rachel Ray

Defends herself against her sister's accusations, insists she did nothing wrong, and asks to speak privately with her mother.

### Mrs. Prime

Confronts Rachel about the churchyard meeting, threatens to leave the cottage if Rachel is not disciplined, and maintains a stern, unforgiving demeanor.

### Mrs. Ray

Torn between her two daughters, she struggles to decide what to do and hopes to hear Rachel's side of the story.

### Luke Rowan

Reflects on the encounter with Rachel, admiring her womanly qualities, and thinks about his future and the brewery.

## Key lines

> If mother thinks it right that you should be standing alone with a young man after nightfall in the churchyard, then I have done.

Mrs. Prime declares that if her mother approves of Rachel's behavior, she will wash her hands of the matter.

_This quote encapsulates the central conflict of the chapter: the clash between Rachel's innocence and her sister's rigid morality._

> What a woman she is! so womanly in everything.

Luke Rowan admires Rachel's feminine qualities after their encounter.

_This reflection shows Luke's growing interest in Rachel and his appreciation of her character._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/rachel_ray_se/chapters/iv-what-shall-be-done-about-it
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/rachel_ray_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/rachel_ray_se/chapters