The Duke’s Children · Chapter
I Don't Think She Is a Snake explained
After the Boncassens depart, Lady Mabel Grex and Mrs.
What happens
After the Boncassens depart, Lady Mabel Grex and Mrs. Finn remain at Matching. The Duke, hoping to arrange a match between Silverbridge and Mabel, speaks plainly to her. Mabel, aware that Silverbridge loves Isabel Boncassen, schemes to win him back. Silverbridge announces he must leave for Cornwall to help Frank Tregear in a by-election, postponing any resolution.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Aristocracy
Lady Mabel's ambition to become Duchess of Omnium and her disdain for Isabel Boncassen's American background highlight class distinctions and the importance of rank.
Love vs. Duty
Silverbridge's love for Isabel conflicts with his father's expectation that he marry Lady Mabel; Mabel herself struggles between her love for Tregear and her duty to secure a wealthy match.
Parental Authority and Rebellion
The Duke attempts to arrange Silverbridge's marriage, but Silverbridge avoids the conversation and pursues his own romantic choice.
Characters to notice
- Lady Mabel Grex
Remains at Matching after the Boncassens leave; schemes to win Silverbridge despite knowing he loves Isabel; reflects on her past mistakes and her ambition for rank and wealth.
- The Duke of Omnium
Encourages a match between Silverbridge and Mabel; speaks plainly to Mabel about his hopes; is unaware of Silverbridge's attachment to Isabel.
- Lord Silverbridge
Announces he must leave for Cornwall to assist Frank Tregear in a by-election; avoids discussing his feelings for Isabel with his father.
- Miss Cassewary
Lady Mabel's confidante; listens to Mabel's plans and concerns about Isabel Boncassen.
- Frank Tregear
Invited to stand for Parliament in Polpenno; writes to Silverbridge for assistance.
- Lady Mary Palliser
Connects Silverbridge's trip to Cornwall with Frank Tregear but remains silent.
Key passages
“She is a snake in my sense. She has got her weapons, and of course it is natural enough that she should use them.”
Lady Mabel calls Isabel a snake, implying she uses her charms manipulatively to win Silverbridge.
Mabel's bitterness toward Isabel is evident as she rationalizes her own scheming.
“The cup had come within the reach of her fingers, but she had not grasped it.”
Mabel reflects that she had the chance to secure Silverbridge but failed to act decisively.
This metaphor captures Mabel's regret over her earlier hesitation.
“I don't think she is a snake.”
Miss Cassewary disagrees with Mabel's characterization of Isabel as a snake.
Miss Cassewary offers a more charitable view of Isabel, contrasting with Mabel's jealousy.