The Charwoman’s Shadow · Chapter
XVII: The Three Fair Fields explained
The Duke and Gulvarez arrive at the Tower for a visit.
What happens
The Duke and Gulvarez arrive at the Tower for a visit. Mirandola, carrying a magical vial from her brother, participates in the flower-strewing welcome. The Lord of the Tower negotiates with Gulvarez over the betrothal of Mirandola, sacrificing three fair fields as part of the bargain. During the banquet, Mirandola serves wine first to Gulvarez, then to the Duke, displaying a mysterious and determined demeanor that puzzles Father Joseph.
Themes in this chapter
Sacrifice and the Price of Ambition
The Lord of the Tower sacrifices three fair fields to secure Gulvarez's agreement to marry Mirandola, highlighting the transactional nature of ambition and social advancement.
Social Class and Prejudice
The gossip about Gulvarez's worthiness and the Duke's elevated status underscore class distinctions and the social pressures surrounding marriage.
Illusion vs. Reality
Mirandola's secret magical vial and her enigmatic smile create a contrast between the apparent acquiescence to her father's plans and her hidden intentions.
Characters to notice
- Father Joseph
Observes Mirandola's strange look of wonder and awe, suspects love but senses something else; blesses the gathering and directs the improvised guard.
- Mirandola
Carries a magical vial from her brother, participates in strewing flowers, serves wine to Gulvarez first, and displays a proud, contest-ready expression.
- Gulvarez
Arrives with the Duke, negotiates for Mirandola's hand and three fields, exudes pride and triumph during the banquet.
- The Duke
Rides in with Gulvarez, doffs his hat to Mirandola, sits silently with a strange look during the banquet.
- The Master
The Lord of the Tower, negotiates the sale of three fields to Gulvarez for Mirandola's hand, shows regret over the loss.
Key passages
“It was of these objections that the Lady of the Tower had been better prepared to speak than of such merits as might be attributed to Gulvarez, and when there were no objections to answer, her pauses grew longer and longer; and soon she said no more at all, but sat and looked at her daughter.”
The Lady of the Tower had prepared to counter Mirandola's objections to Gulvarez, but since Mirandola offered none, she fell silent and simply stared at her daughter.
Highlights Mirandola's unexpected compliance and her mother's confusion.
“Once more Father Joseph had seen in Mirandola’s face a look of wonder and awe and joy, as though something had come to her that was new and strange. What should it be but love? And yet he deemed that it was something else, but knew not what it was.”
Father Joseph noticed a look of wonder and joy on Mirandola's face, which he thought might be love, but sensed it was something else he could not identify.
Foreshadows Mirandola's secret possession of the magical vial.
“He had known, whenever he thought, that he should do no better than this; and yet he had thought seldom, but hoped instead. Now it was over, and the three fields gone. They never seemed fairer than now.”
The Lord of the Tower realized he had always known he could not get a better deal, but had chosen to hope rather than think; now the bargain was sealed and the fields were lost, appearing more beautiful than ever.
Reflects the theme of sacrifice and regret.