The Clever Woman of the Family · Chapter
XII: A Change at the Parsonage explained
The chapter opens with the arrival of a new clergyman, Mr.
What happens
The chapter opens with the arrival of a new clergyman, Mr. Mitchell, at the parsonage, replacing the departed Mr. Touchett. Rachel Curtis is hopeful that Mr. Mitchell will support her F.U.E.E. project, and she is pleased by his interest. Meanwhile, Lady Temple confides in Colonel Keith about her guilt over Mr. Touchett's departure, and he advises her on how she might have handled the situation better. Colonel Keith also shares with her that Ermine Williams has given him leave to mention their engagement, and he hopes to tell Rachel himself. The new parsonage family, the Mitchells, begin to settle in, and Bessie Keith helps them make connections, including with Ermine Williams. The chapter highlights the social changes and the growing relationships among the characters.
Themes in this chapter
The Complexities of Social Reform and Charity
Rachel's enthusiasm for the F.U.E.E. and her hopes for Mr. Mitchell's support highlight the challenges of funding and implementing charitable projects.
Marriage as Moral and Intellectual Partnership
Colonel Keith's engagement to Ermine is presented as a partnership based on mutual respect and intellectual companionship, contrasting with the failed courtship of Mr. Touchett.
Deception and the Perils of Naivety
Fanny's guilt and self-blame over Mr. Touchett's departure reveal her naivety in social interactions, while Colonel Keith advises her on the need for prudence.
Characters to notice
- Rachel Curtis
Rachel is enthusiastic about the F.U.E.E. and hopes Mr. Mitchell will support it. She is also concerned about the change in clergy and its implications.
- Fanny Temple
Fanny confides in Colonel Keith about her guilt over Mr. Touchett's departure and her desire to be more guarded. She is also relieved about Colonel Keith's news regarding Ermine.
- Colonel Keith
Colonel Keith advises Fanny on her conduct with Mr. Touchett and shares that Ermine has given him leave to mention their engagement, hoping to tell Rachel himself.
- Ermine Williams
Ermine has given Colonel Keith permission to mention their engagement, and she is forming a friendship with the new clergyman, Mr. Mitchell.
- Bessie Keith
Bessie helps the Mitchells settle in, introduces them to the community, and shares comical stories with her cousins.
- Mr. Mitchell
Mr. Mitchell is the new temporary clergyman, who shows interest in Rachel's F.U.E.E. and forms a friendship with Ermine Williams.
Key passages
“She clasped her hands with delighted sympathy. 'She has given me leave to mention the matter,' he continued, 'and I take that as a sign that her resistance will give way.'”
Fanny was overjoyed when Colonel Keith told her that Ermine had allowed him to speak about their engagement, and he saw this as a hopeful sign that she would eventually accept him.
This moment reveals the progress in Colonel Keith's courtship and Fanny's emotional investment in their happiness.
“Rachel talked to them about the F.U.E.E. , and was delighted by the flush of eager interest on Mrs. Mitchell’s thin face.”
Rachel was thrilled to see Mrs. Mitchell's keen interest when she discussed her F.U.E.E. project with the Mitchells.
Rachel's enthusiasm for her charitable work is evident, and she finds a potential ally in Mrs. Mitchell.