The Blithedale Romance · Chapter
The Three Together explained
Coverdale stumbles upon a tense confrontation between Hollingsworth, Zenobia, and Priscilla at Eliot's Pulpit.
What happens
Coverdale stumbles upon a tense confrontation between Hollingsworth, Zenobia, and Priscilla at Eliot's Pulpit. Zenobia, dressed as an Oriental princess, is on trial before Hollingsworth, who has judged her and declared his love for Priscilla. Zenobia accuses Hollingsworth of being a cold, self-centered monster who has sacrificed everyone to his project. Priscilla, torn, offers herself to Zenobia as a sister, but Zenobia rejects her. The chapter ends with Hollingsworth and Priscilla leaving together, leaving Zenobia alone and defeated.
Themes in this chapter
Idealism vs. Reality
Hollingsworth's idealistic project is revealed as a self-serving mechanism, clashing with the harsh reality of human emotions and relationships.
Gender Roles and Women's Rights
Zenobia's passionate speech highlights the power imbalance: men judge women in secret tribunals, and a verdict short of acquittal is a death sentence for a woman.
Obsession and Philanthropy
Hollingsworth's obsession with his philanthropic project is exposed as a cold, self-centered mechanism that destroys those around him.
Love and Sacrifice
Priscilla's offer of sisterhood to Zenobia and Hollingsworth's declaration of love for Priscilla illustrate the complex interplay of love, sacrifice, and power.
Characters to notice
- Miles Coverdale
Arrives at Eliot's Pulpit and witnesses the climax of the conflict between Zenobia and Hollingsworth. He feels like an intruder on a battlefield.
- Mr. Hollingsworth
Acts as judge and accuser in a private tribunal. He declares his love for Priscilla and is fiercely attacked by Zenobia for his selfishness.
- Zenobia
Appears as a dethroned queen, passionate and defiant. She confronts Hollingsworth, accusing him of ruining her and sacrificing Priscilla, and ultimately is left alone.
- Priscilla
The pale victim in the scene, she trembles and ultimately offers herself to Zenobia as a sister before leaving with Hollingsworth.
Key passages
“The more I looked at them, and the more I heard, the stronger grew my impression that a crisis had just come and gone.”
Coverdale realizes that a major emotional confrontation has already taken place between the three.
Coverdale's observation of the aftermath of the conflict.
“I do love her!”
Hollingsworth admits his love for Priscilla.
Hollingsworth's declaration to Zenobia.
“It is all self! Nothing else; nothing but self, self, self!”
Zenobia accuses Hollingsworth of being utterly selfish.
Zenobia's central accusation against Hollingsworth.
“We are sisters!”
Priscilla offers herself and all she has to Zenobia.
Priscilla's gesture of solidarity and sacrifice.