Short Fiction · Chapter
The Young Ladies Are to Be Taken Abroad explained
Philip Hughes, desperate to see Emily Greenmantle before her father takes her abroad, forces his way into the Greenmantle drawing-room.
What happens
Philip Hughes, desperate to see Emily Greenmantle before her father takes her abroad, forces his way into the Greenmantle drawing-room. Mr. Greenmantle discovers them and angrily banishes Philip, ordering Emily to her chamber. Later, Dr. Freeborn hints to Philip that things may improve, and Polly Peppercorn persuades her father to reconsider taking her abroad, suggesting the plan may be abandoned.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
Philip's desperate attempt to see Emily before she is taken abroad highlights the tension between romantic love and parental control over marriage.
Family Duty and Sacrifice
Mr. Greenmantle's stern decision to take Emily abroad reflects his sense of duty to protect family honor, while Emily struggles between obedience and her love for Philip.
Travel and Cultural Encounter
The planned prolonged residence abroad is used as a tool to separate lovers and control Emily's future, with Mr. Greenmantle threatening to remove her from familiar influences.
Characters to notice
- Philip Hughes
Forces his way into the Greenmantle drawing-room to see Emily before she is taken abroad; is discovered by Mr. Greenmantle and ordered out.
- Emily Greenmantle
Found by her father with Philip; defends her love and argues against being taken abroad.
- Mr. Greenmantle
Discovers Philip with Emily, angrily orders him out, and insists on taking Emily abroad for a prolonged residence.
- Dr. Freeborn
Visits the bank and hints to Philip that things may run smoother; later mentioned by Emily as approving of Philip.
- Polly Peppercorn
Persuades her father not to take her abroad, arguing that Mr. Greenmantle has abandoned the idea.
Key passages
“How should Philip Hughes see Emily before she had been carried away to 'foreign parts' by her stern father?”
Philip Hughes wondered how he could meet Emily before her strict father took her abroad.
Sets up the central conflict of the chapter.
“If she should be made to go, in her father's present state of mind, without having reiterated her vows, she might be persuaded by that foreign-living English gentleman whom she would find abroad, to give him her hand.”
Philip feared that if Emily left without renewing her promises, she might be swayed by an Englishman living abroad.
Reveals Philip's insecurity about Emily's fidelity.
“I have just one word which I wish to say to Miss Greenmantle.”
Philip asked for a moment to speak with Emily.
Philip's final plea before being expelled.
“Nevertheless, if you'll behave yourself, I shouldn't be surprised if things were to run smoother before Christmas.”
Dr. Freeborn hinted that if Philip behaved, the situation might improve by Christmas.
Foreshadows a possible resolution.
“Now, father, why don't you give way, and show yourself what you always were—the kindest father that ever a girl had.”
Polly urged her father to relent and be the loving father he always was.
Polly's persuasive appeal to her father.