Short Fiction · Chapter
How Bessy Pryor Was Banished to Normandy explained
Bessy Pryor is banished to Avranches, Normandy, after refusing to give up her lover Philip.
What happens
Bessy Pryor is banished to Avranches, Normandy, after refusing to give up her lover Philip. Despite her deep affection for her aunt Mrs. Miles, she remains steadfast in her commitment to Philip. At Avranches, she forms a friendship with Miss Gregory, who shares her own story of lost love. Bessy writes a letter to Mrs. Miles, expressing her love and longing, which moves the old woman to tears.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
Bessy's steadfast love for Philip contrasts with Miss Gregory's resigned sacrifice; Bessy argues love should be more sacred than duty.
Family Duty and Sacrifice
Bessy's banishment highlights the conflict between familial duty and personal love; Mrs. Miles's sternness is tempered by her underlying care.
Economic Hardship and Charity
Mrs. Miles's financial support for Bessy (fifty pounds and a half-yearly allowance) underscores the economic dimensions of their relationship.
Characters to notice
- Bessy Pryor
Banished to Normandy for refusing to give up her lover Philip; remains steadfast in her love and writes a heartfelt letter to Mrs. Miles.
- Mrs. Miles
Inexorable in her decision to banish Bessy, but shows hidden affection by sending money and weeping over Bessy's letter.
- Philip Hughes
Bessy's lover, already departed; his rebellion led to his own banishment and reduced income.
- Miss Gregory
Kind hostess in Avranches who shares her own story of lost love and becomes Bessy's friend.
Key passages
“There was nothing for it but to go, after the interview described in the last chapter.”
Bessy had no choice but to leave after the previous confrontation.
Opens the chapter with Bessy's resignation to her fate.
“It was an agony to her that she should be compelled to leave this dearest friend, who was still sick and infirm, without seeing her.”
Bessy was deeply distressed at being forced to depart without saying goodbye to her ailing aunt.
Highlights Bessy's emotional conflict between love for Philip and love for Mrs. Miles.
“I think love should be more holy.”
Bessy believes love ought to be treated as sacred and unbreakable.
Bessy's core belief in the sanctity of romantic love, contrasting with Miss Gregory's pragmatic view.
“She had forced the old woman to love her, and was aware that by means of that love the old woman’s life had been brightened.”
Bessy knew she had made Mrs. Miles love her and that this love had enriched the old woman's life.
Reflects Bessy's understanding of the mutual benefit in her relationship with Mrs. Miles.