The Clever Woman of the Family · Chapter
VII: Waiting for Rose explained
Rachel Curtis observes the interactions between Fanny Temple and Alexander Keith, suspecting a romantic attachment.
What happens
Rachel Curtis observes the interactions between Fanny Temple and Alexander Keith, suspecting a romantic attachment. She grapples with her own feelings of dislike and jealousy, questioning her motives. Meanwhile, Colin Keith announces his brother Lord Keith's impending visit, causing anxiety among the Williamses and the Temples. Ermine and Colin discuss Rachel's character, with Ermine defending her earnestness and energy. The chapter explores themes of social expectations, female agency, and the complexities of relationships.
Themes in this chapter
Female Agency and the Search for a Mission
Rachel's internal conflict about her own feelings and her desire to see Fanny make a suitable match reflects her struggle with societal expectations versus personal agency.
Deception and the Perils of Naivety
Fanny's attempt to conceal the governesship from Lord Keith shows her naivety in thinking appearances can be managed.
Marriage as Moral and Intellectual Partnership
Rachel's consideration of Alexander Keith as a potential husband for Fanny highlights the importance of intellectual and moral compatibility in marriage.
Class, Respectability, and Social Hierarchy
The concern over Lord Keith's visit and the desire to keep Mackarel Lane and the governesship out of sight underscores class anxieties.
Characters to notice
- Rachel Curtis
Observes Fanny and Alexander Keith, feeling dislike and questioning her own motives.
- Fanny Temple
Shows improved spirits, possibly due to Alexander Keith's presence; plans a dinner for Lord Keith.
- Alick Keith
Not directly present but discussed as a potential suitor for Fanny.
- Ermine Williams
Defends Rachel to Colin, appreciating her vigor and earnestness.
- Colin Keith
Announces his brother's visit and discusses Rachel with Ermine.
- Alison Williams
Feels anxious about Colin's attentions to Ermine and the upcoming visit.
- Lady Temple
Wishes Ermine to be at Myrtlewood and gives winnings to the curate for school children.
- Grace Curtis
Sings to stop conversation and feels discomfort about Alison's hints.
Key passages
“If she had done it on purpose, she could not have better freshly riveted his chains.”
Her action, whether intentional or not, further strengthened his attachment to her.
Rachel observes Lady Temple's effect on Mr. Touchett.
“I believe all that is unpleasing in her arises from her being considered as the clever woman of the family; having no man nearly connected enough to keep her in check, and living in society that does not fairly meet her.”
Ermine suggests that Rachel's unpleasant traits stem from being the intellectual woman without male guidance and in a society that doesn't challenge her.
Ermine defends Rachel to Colin.
