# Captain Clavering Makes His Last Attempt explained — The Claverings

> Chapter companion for The Claverings by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

Captain Archibald Clavering makes his final attempt to propose to Lady Ongar, but she firmly rejects him, insisting he promise to drop the matter. Meanwhile, Sir Hugh Clavering arranges for Archie to join a yachting trip to Norway, though Archie hesitates due to his lingering hopes regarding Lady Ongar. Sir Hugh reveals that Lady Ongar intends to marry Harry Clavering, which frustrates Archie further.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Marriage

Lady Ongar's internal conflict between her desire for love and the social expectations of marriage is central, as she rejects Archie's proposal while longing for Harry.

### Wealth and Materialism

Archie's pursuit of Lady Ongar is driven by her wealth and property, and Sir Hugh discusses the financial implications of a marriage between Lady Ongar and Harry.

### Betrayal and Redemption

The possibility of Harry Clavering betraying his engagement to Florence Burton for Lady Ongar's fortune is discussed, highlighting themes of loyalty and moral compromise.

## Character check-ins

### Captain Archibald Clavering

Makes his last attempt to propose to Lady Ongar, is firmly rejected, and reluctantly agrees to join the yachting trip to Norway.

### Julia Brabazon

Receives a letter from Sophie Gordeloup and firmly rejects Captain Clavering's proposal, asserting her independence and her desire for love.

### Sir Hugh Clavering

Arranges for Archie to join the yachting trip and reveals that Lady Ongar intends to marry Harry Clavering.

### Captain Doodles

Archie's friend, present at the military club dinners where Archie discusses his matrimonial plans.

### Sophie Gordeloup

Writes a letter to Lady Ongar urging her to pursue Harry Clavering, though her advice is not heeded.

## Key lines

> All her apples hitherto had turned to ashes between her teeth, because her fate had forced her to attempt the eating of them alone.

Everything she had tried to enjoy had become disappointing because she had to experience it without companionship.

_Illustrates Lady Ongar's loneliness and the emptiness of her wealth without love._

> I never can, under any circumstances, become your wife. You might as well look upon that as altogether decided, because it will save us both annoyance.

I will never marry you, so please accept this as final to avoid further trouble.

_Lady Ongar's definitive rejection of Captain Clavering's proposal._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_claverings_se/chapters/xxxvi-captain-clavering-makes-his-last-attempt
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_claverings_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_claverings_se/chapters