The Clever Woman of the Family · Chapter
IV: The Hero explained
The chapter opens with Alison Williams anxiously awaiting the arrival of Colonel Keith, the 'Major' who is a close family friend of the Temples.
What happens
The chapter opens with Alison Williams anxiously awaiting the arrival of Colonel Keith, the 'Major' who is a close family friend of the Temples. Rachel Curtis, disapproving of the military influence, accompanies Alison to Myrtlewood, where they learn Lady Temple has gone to meet him. Alison, secretly fearing that this Colonel Keith may be the man from her sister Ermine's past, struggles with her anxiety while caring for the children. When the Colonel finally arrives with a young officer, Rachel is immediately antagonistic, while Alison is relieved to discover he is not the man she feared. The chapter highlights the sisters' private conversation about Alison's fears, Rachel's bluntness, and the family's warm welcome for the Colonel.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and the Perils of Naivety
Alison's secret fear and Ermine's hidden past create an undercurrent of concealed truths, while Rachel's bluntness contrasts with the polite deceptions of society.
Class, Respectability, and Social Hierarchy
The arrival of a military officer and the family's deference to him highlight the social standing of the military and the nuances of rank and respectability.
Masculine Influence and the Shaping of Women's Minds
Rachel's disapproval of the Colonel's influence on Fanny and the family's eager welcome of him illustrate the power of male figures in shaping domestic life.
Characters to notice
- Alison Williams
Anxious and self-controlled, she fears the arrival of Colonel Keith may be the man from her sister's past, and struggles to hide her distress.
- Ermine Williams
Shown in a private conversation with Alison, offering comfort and advice, and revealing her own quiet concern about the possible identity of the Major.
- Rachel Curtis
Disapproving of the military influence on Fanny, she is blunt and antagonistic towards the Colonel, and her presence adds tension to the scene.
- Fanny Temple
Excited and bright, she brings the Colonel and his young companion home, and is oblivious to the undercurrents of Alison's and Rachel's feelings.
- Colonel Keith
The 'Major' who arrives, greeted warmly by the family; his polished manner chafes Rachel, and he is not the man Alison feared.
- Lady Temple
Absent for most of the chapter, having gone to meet the Colonel, and is considerate of Alison's feelings.
Key passages
“Do you know who is the writer of this? 'What is it? Ah! one of the Invalid's essays. They strike everyone; but I fancy the authorship is a great secret.'”
Rachel asks if anyone knows the author of an essay, and Fanny replies that it is a secret, but the writing is admired by all.
This exchange reveals the mystery surrounding the 'Invalid' essays, which may be a clue to a character's identity.
“Ailie, dear, be it what it may, guessing is worse than certainty.”
Ermine tells her sister that uncertainty is harder to bear than knowing the truth, urging her to share her fears.
This highlights the theme of anxiety and the need for honesty between the sisters.
“I always knew that if he lived I must be prepared for it, and you would not have hesitated to tell me of his death.”
Ermine reveals that she has long anticipated the possibility that the man from her past might still be alive, and trusts Alison to tell her the truth.
This suggests a deep emotional history and foreshadows the potential reappearance of a significant figure.
“Do as you feel right at the moment. I cannot tell how it may be.”
Ermine advises Alison to trust her instincts when the time comes, as she cannot predict the outcome.
This shows Ermine's pragmatic and supportive nature, even in the face of uncertainty.
“Please, Aunt Rachel, doesn't Aunt Grace want you very much?”
Hubert tries to persuade Rachel to leave by suggesting that her sister Grace needs her.
This reveals the children's desire to have the Colonel's visit without Rachel's disapproving presence.
