The Claverings · Chapter
XX: Desolation explained
Little Hughy, the heir of Clavering Park, dies.
What happens
Little Hughy, the heir of Clavering Park, dies. Mrs. Clavering comforts the bereaved Lady Clavering, who is more fearful of her husband's reaction than grieving for her child. Sir Hugh returns, shows no open grief, and soon leaves for London. The funeral is arranged, and Lady Ongar writes to offer to take her sister away after the burial.
Themes in this chapter
Family and Inheritance
The death of little Hughy, the only son and heir, threatens the Clavering lineage and inheritance, intensifying Sir Hugh's hardness and Lady Clavering's fear.
Gender Roles and Power
Lady Clavering's terror of her husband's reaction and her inability to express grief openly highlight the power imbalance and emotional suppression expected of women in marriage.
Characters to notice
- Mrs. Clavering
Visits and comforts Lady Clavering after the death of little Hughy; writes to Julia and Harry about the funeral.
- Hermione
The bereaved mother, Lady Clavering, is consumed by fear of her husband's reaction rather than openly mourning her child.
- Sir Hugh Clavering
Returns to Clavering Park after his son's death; shows no visible grief, leaves for London, and later returns for the funeral.
- Captain Archibald Clavering
Present with Sir Hugh when the rector visits; makes a trite remark about grass being cut down.
- Julia Brabazon
Mentioned as having quarreled with her sister; writes to Mrs. Clavering offering to take Lady Clavering away after the funeral.
Key passages
“I suppose he will turn me out of his house now”
Lady Clavering fears that Sir Hugh will evict her after their son's death.
Reveals her terror of her husband and the fragility of her position in the marriage.
“He is so hard; and then he has such will, such power. He will thrust it off from him and determine that it shall not oppress him.”
Lady Clavering describes Sir Hugh's emotional rigidity and his ability to suppress grief through sheer willpower.
Illustrates the theme of gender roles and power, as well as Sir Hugh's character.