The Blue Castle · Chapter
The Return of the Prodigal explained
Valancy returns to her mother's home in Elm Street, feeling like a stranger.
What happens
Valancy returns to her mother's home in Elm Street, feeling like a stranger. She reveals to her mother, Cousin Stickles, and Uncle Benjamin that she is not dying after all—Dr. Trent's diagnosis was a mistake. She explains that she married Barney out of pity and must leave him to set him free, especially now that she knows he is Bernard Redfern, the son of a millionaire. Uncle Benjamin takes charge, urging the family to be kind and to see the situation as an opportunity rather than a disgrace.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Family Dynamics
The family's attitude shifts dramatically when they learn Barney is a millionaire's son, highlighting the power of wealth and status.
Identity and Self-Worth
Valancy grapples with her sense of self after the mistaken diagnosis and her decision to leave Barney out of a sense of honor.
Characters to notice
- Valancy Stirling
Returns home, exhausted and grey-faced, confessing the truth about her mistaken diagnosis and her marriage to Barney.
- Mrs. Stirling
Cold and unwelcoming at first, but softens upon learning that Barney is Bernard Redfern, son of a millionaire.
- Cousin Stickles
Shrewish and suspicious, but becomes willing to be convinced when the truth about Barney's wealth emerges.
- Uncle Benjamin
Takes charge of the situation, urging the family to be kind and seeing Valancy's marriage as a stroke of luck.
Key passages
“I've come home, Mother”
Valancy announces her return to her mother.
A tired and reluctant homecoming.
“Because I'm not going to die”
Valancy explains the reason for her return: she is not dying after all.
The revelation that Dr. Trent's diagnosis was a mistake.
“I've tricked Barney into marrying me—and he's really Bernard Redfern. Dr. Redfern's son, of Montreal.”
Valancy confesses that Barney is actually the son of a wealthy doctor.
The disclosure of Barney's true identity and Valancy's guilt.