The Cords of Vanity · Chapter
He Is Urged to Desert His Galley explained
The narrator and Elena Barry-Smith have a heated argument after a bridge game, where Elena accuses him of condescension toward her mother and class differences.
What happens
The narrator and Elena Barry-Smith have a heated argument after a bridge game, where Elena accuses him of condescension toward her mother and class differences. She rejects his proposal, citing their incompatible backgrounds and his patronizing attitude, leading to a bitter breakup.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Provincialism
Elena accuses the narrator of never forgetting his aristocratic ancestors and looking down on her mother's lack of refinement, highlighting class tensions.
Love and Its Disillusionments
Elena confesses her love but refuses to marry the narrator due to their irreconcilable differences, leading to a painful breakup.
Vanity and Self-Deception
The narrator's patronizing behavior and inability to see his own faults are exposed by Elena, who points out his insincerity and pride.
Characters to notice
- Unknown Narrator
The narrator reflects on his relationship with Elena, his temper, and his inability to apologize after their fight.
- Elena Barry-Smith
Elena confronts the narrator about his condescension toward her mother and their class differences, ultimately ending their relationship.
- Nannie Allsotts
Plays bridge with the narrator and Elena; giggles at the narrator's pun about 'who's a-beating.'
- Warwick Risby
Plays bridge with the narrator and Elena; reacts with fury to the narrator's pun.
- Mrs. Vokins
Prepares supper and asks 'who's a-beating?' prompting the narrator's pun.
Key passages
“I was very much in love with Elena, but I hold it against her, even now, that she insisted on discarding from strength.”
The narrator loved Elena but resented her poor bridge strategy.
The narrator's affection is tinged with petty criticism.
“You are the sort that used to take snuff just before they had their heads cut off, and when they were in the wrong.”
Elena accuses the narrator of being stoically unrepentant even when at fault.
Elena criticizes the narrator's unflappable demeanor.
“I wouldn't wipe my feet on you!”
Elena angrily rejects the narrator's condescending marriage proposal.
Elena's fierce response to the narrator's insult.