# I Must Go explained — The American Senator

> Chapter companion for The American Senator by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

Arabella Trefoil receives a letter from Lord Rufford rejecting her and offering money, which she refuses. Determined to confront him, she deceives her hostess Mrs. Green and enlists Mounser Green's help to travel to Rufford, driven by a vengeful Medea-like desire to force a meeting despite the personal cost.

## Themes in this chapter

### Marriage and Financial Necessity

Lord Rufford's monetary offer and Arabella's rejection highlight the intersection of marriage, money, and social survival.

### Hypocrisy and Moral Complexity

Arabella's vengeful plotting and deception contrast with her victimhood, while Lord Rufford's offer and denial reveal moral ambiguity.

## Character check-ins

### Arabella Trefoil

Rejects Lord Rufford's monetary offer and plans a vengeful journey to confront him, deceiving her hostess and relying on Mounser Green's assistance.

### Lord Rufford

Writes a letter denying any engagement and offering money, but fears a personal interview with Arabella.

### Mounser Green

Helps Arabella with her secret journey, offering cautious advice and logistical support despite his concerns.

### Lady Augustus Trefoil

Mentioned as the originator of the monetary suggestion to Lord Rufford, and as someone Arabella is determined to avoid.

### Mrs. Connop Green

Hosts Arabella in London but is deceived about the true purpose of her journey.

## Key lines

> She was instigated by the true feminine Medea feeling that she would find some way to wring his heart—even though in the process she might suffer twice as much as he did.

She was driven by a vengeful, almost mythological desire to hurt him, even if it meant enduring greater pain herself.

_Highlights Arabella's emotional state and her determination to retaliate against Lord Rufford._

> I must be out of town the whole day, and perhaps the next. And your aunt must not know why I am going or where. You will help me?

I need to leave for the day or possibly longer, and I need you to keep my destination secret from your aunt. Will you assist me?

_Shows Arabella's manipulation and reliance on Mounser Green for her secret plan._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_american_senator_se/chapters/lxvi-i-must-go
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_american_senator_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_american_senator_se/chapters