The American Senator · Chapter
XX: There Are Convenances explained
The Trefoils prepare for the party at Rufford Hall, with Arabella torn between her engagement to John Morton and her pursuit of Lord Rufford.
What happens
The Trefoils prepare for the party at Rufford Hall, with Arabella torn between her engagement to John Morton and her pursuit of Lord Rufford. She and her mother argue about carriages and strategy, ultimately traveling in the phaeton while Morton is left frustrated. Arabella reflects on her precarious position, fearing she may lose both suitors.
Themes in this chapter
Marriage and Financial Necessity
Arabella's engagement to Morton is a financial plank she cannot afford to lose, even as she pursues the wealthier Lord Rufford.
American vs. British Values
Senator Gotobed's bluntness and disregard for English conventions contrast with Morton's adherence to 'convenances' and social propriety.
Love vs. Practicality
Arabella views marriage as a practical transaction, weighing Morton's diminished status against Lord Rufford's allure, with little regard for romantic love.
Hypocrisy and Moral Complexity
Arabella manipulates her engagement and uses social niceties to conceal her true intentions, while Lady Augustus openly criticizes Morton yet relies on his hospitality.
Characters to notice
- Arabella Trefoil
Struggles with her engagement to Morton while scheming to attract Lord Rufford; feels her strength fading and fears falling between two stools.
- Lady Augustus Trefoil
Anxious to shake off the Bragton alliance and supports Arabella's pursuit of Lord Rufford; critical of Morton and his mother.
- John Morton
Becoming increasingly jealous and somber; feels neglected by Arabella and frustrated by her refusal to ride with him to Rufford.
- Lord Rufford
Hosts the party at Rufford Hall; has whispered words to Arabella in town and renews acquaintance, but she suspects he is only amusing himself.
- Senator Gotobed
Visits the meet to explain his views about Goarly to Lord Rufford; laughs at English churchgoing habits and is considered an unsuitable guest by Lady Augustus.
- Tony Tuppett
Scrutinised by the Senator during the meet; laughs in his sleeve when a fox isn't found quickly.
- Mrs. Morton
Referenced as the old woman who has Morton completely under her thumb; Arabella is not afraid of her.
Key passages
“I shall just fall to the ground between two stools. I know it as well as if it were done already.”
Arabella fears she will lose both Morton and Lord Rufford, ending up with neither.
Reveals her anxiety about her dual pursuit.
“There are convenances.”
Arabella invokes social rules to avoid riding alone with Morton.
Highlights her use of propriety as a shield.
“You have been in the States so long that you forget all our old-fashioned ways.”
She accuses Morton of adopting American informality at the expense of English decorum.
Emphasizes cultural tension between American and British norms.