XIII: Further Communications on Business explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Friendship and Female Solidarity

  Shirley's concern for Caroline's well-being and her offer of a shared summer excursion highlight the supportive bond between the two women.

• Love and Marriage

  Caroline's anguish over Robert Moore's apparent attachment to Shirley underscores the theme of unrequited love and the social expectations surrounding marriage.

• Social Class and Inequality

  The contrast between Shirley's wealth and Caroline's limited options, as well as the discussion of Barraclough's transportation, reflect class tensions.

Characters to notice

• Shirley Keeldar

  Shirley is seen in a pensive, dreamy mood, crying from an excess of emotion. She later walks with Robert Moore and proposes a summer trip to the Highlands to cheer Caroline.

• Caroline Helstone

  Caroline observes Shirley and Robert Moore together, feeling deep jealousy and despair. She contemplates leaving home to escape her suffering but is persuaded by Shirley to stay.

• Robert Moore

  Robert Moore is seen walking with Shirley at night, discussing his plans to counteract the workers' vengeance after Barraclough's conviction.

• Mrs. Pryor

  Mrs. Pryor is present during the conversation between Shirley and Caroline, showing concern for Caroline but remaining reserved and indirect in her actions.

Key passages

• “In Shirley’s nature prevailed at times an easy indolence. There were periods when she took delight in perfect vacancy of hand and eye—moments when her thoughts, her simple existence, the fact of the world being around and heaven above her, seemed to yield her such fullness of happiness that she did not need to lift a finger to increase the joy.”

  Shirley often enjoyed doing nothing at all, finding complete happiness simply in being alive and aware of the world and sky around her.

  This passage introduces Shirley's contemplative and contented nature, contrasting with Caroline's turmoil.

• “I gave Robert up, and gave him up to Shirley, the first day I heard she was come, the first moment I saw her—rich, youthful, and lovely. She has him now. He is her lover. She is his darling.”

  Caroline believes she has lost Robert to Shirley, whom she sees as more beautiful and wealthy, and accepts that they are now a couple.

  This reveals Caroline's deep sense of resignation and jealousy regarding Robert and Shirley's relationship.

• “I can bestow a benefit. I can do a good deed with my cash. My thousand a year is not merely a matter of dirty banknotes and jaundiced guineas, but, it may be, health to the drooping, strength to the weak, consolation to the sad.”

  Shirley sees her wealth as a tool to help others, offering to use her income to bring happiness and relief to those in need, like Caroline.

  This highlights Shirley's generosity and her desire to use her privilege for good.