The American Senator · Chapter
LIX: The Last Effort explained
Mary returns home to find Lawrence Twentyman waiting to propose for the last time.
What happens
Mary returns home to find Lawrence Twentyman waiting to propose for the last time. Her stepmother, Mrs. Masters, now pleads with her to accept him, highlighting his prosperity and respectability. Mary, heartbroken over Reginald Morton, considers sacrificing her own feelings for duty and family, but ultimately cannot bring herself to marry without love. She gently refuses Larry, extracting a promise that he will not sell his farm for a year, and sends him away. Mrs. Masters is disappointed but less harsh than before.
Themes in this chapter
Love vs. Practicality
Mary weighs the practical benefits of marrying Lawrence against her inability to love him, ultimately choosing emotional honesty over security.
Marriage and Financial Necessity
Mrs. Masters emphasizes Lawrence's wealth and status as reasons for Mary to accept him, reflecting the economic pressures of marriage.
Rural Life and Community
The setting of Chowton Farm and the local respect for Lawrence highlight the importance of rural community and land ownership.
Characters to notice
- Mary Masters
Struggles with the decision to marry Lawrence Twentyman, ultimately unable to overcome her lack of love for him.
- Lawrence Twentyman
Makes his final proposal to Mary, dressed unusually in city clothes, and is deeply saddened by her refusal.
- Mrs. Masters
Pleads with Mary to accept Lawrence, showing a softer, more desperate demeanor, but is ultimately disappointed.
- Reginald Morton
Referenced in Mary's thoughts as the man she truly loves but cannot have, now out of her reach.
Key passages
“He is so good and so true! And what better can there be for you? With your advantages, and Lady Ushant, and all that, you would be quite the lady at Chowton.”
Mrs. Masters argues that Lawrence's goodness and wealth would make Mary a respected lady at Chowton Farm.
Mrs. Masters appeals to Mary's sense of social aspiration and family duty.
“I would sooner marry a man I loved, though I knew he would ill-use me.”
Mary states she would prefer an abusive marriage with love over a kind one without affection.
Mary expresses her deep conviction that love is essential in marriage.
“I did try. Pray do not scold me. I did try, but I could not do it.”
Mary tells her stepmother that she genuinely attempted to accept Lawrence but found it impossible.
Mary's plea shows her emotional struggle and desire for understanding.