The Clever Woman of the Family · Chapter
XXX: Who Is the Clever Woman? explained
The chapter opens with a family gathering at the opening of a convalescent institution, a project that grew from the Burnaby Bargain.
What happens
The chapter opens with a family gathering at the opening of a convalescent institution, a project that grew from the Burnaby Bargain. Rachel and Alick, now with their baby, reflect on their past and their growth. Ermine, in her wheelchair, enjoys the festivities, and the children play. The chapter highlights Rachel's transformation from a headstrong reformer to a more measured and content wife and mother, guided by Alick's gentle influence. The question of who is the 'clever woman' is answered through Rachel's integration of intellect with domestic and social responsibility.
Themes in this chapter
Female Agency and the Search for a Mission
Rachel's journey from impulsive reformer to a balanced wife and mother illustrates the theme of finding one's true mission within domestic and social spheres.
Marriage as Moral and Intellectual Partnership
Rachel and Alick's relationship exemplifies a partnership where mutual respect and gentle guidance temper each other's excesses.
Masculine Influence and the Shaping of Women's Minds
Alick's patient and ironic influence helps Rachel moderate her impulses, showing how masculine guidance shapes her character.
Suffering, Humiliation, and Redemption
Rachel's past blunders and humiliation lead to personal growth and redemption, culminating in her happiness and usefulness.
Characters to notice
- Rachel Curtis
Now a wife and mother, she reflects on her past blunders and appreciates Alick's kindness. She has learned to temper her enthusiasm with practical wisdom.
- Alick Keith
Appears stronger and more substantial. He gently guides Rachel, using irony and patience to temper her impulses, and is a devoted father.
- Ermine Williams
In her wheelchair, she enjoys the day, observes the children, and engages in witty conversation. She serves as a mother figure to the orphaned Keith.
- Colonel Keith
Supervises the new institution and shares in the family's joy. He appreciates Ermine's charm and the success of Rachel's transformation.
- Rose Williams
Light and gracious, she helps with the children and participates in the games, showing her youthful energy.
- Alison Williams
Seen among her boys, she remains dedicated to her charitable work.
- Lady Temple
Present at the gathering, she participates gently in the games with her children.
- Mr. Clare
Teaches a new game to the children, showing his engaging and lively side.
Key passages
“It has been irony rather than ridicule,” said Ermine, “though, when he taught her to laugh, he won half the battle.”
Ermine notes that Alick's use of gentle irony, not mockery, helped Rachel learn to laugh at herself, which was a crucial step in her growth.
This highlights the theme of masculine influence and the power of humor in personal development.
“I have been recollecting how it used to seem to me the depth of my fall that you were marrying me out of pure pity, without my having the spirit to resent or prevent it, and now I just like to think how kind and noble it was in you.”
Rachel reflects on how she once felt humiliated that Alick married her out of pity, but now she appreciates his kindness and nobility.
This shows Rachel's redemption and her changed perspective on her past suffering.
“It has been a most happy day, and chief of all the pleasures has been the sight of Rachel just what I hoped, a thorough wife and mother, all the more so for her being awake to larger interests, and doing common things better for being the Clever Woman of the family.”
Ermine expresses joy that Rachel has become a devoted wife and mother while still maintaining her intellectual interests, making her even more effective in her domestic role.
This encapsulates the theme of female agency and mission, showing that intellect and domesticity can coexist.
