The Duke’s Children · Chapter
Pert Poppet! explained
Lord Silverbridge, brooding over his father's opposition to his engagement with Isabel Boncassen, receives an unexpected visit from Dolly Longstaff.
What happens
Lord Silverbridge, brooding over his father's opposition to his engagement with Isabel Boncassen, receives an unexpected visit from Dolly Longstaff. Dolly reveals his intention to propose to Isabel, calling her a 'pert poppet' and dismissing her hopes of becoming Duchess of Omnium. Silverbridge, enraged, rebukes Dolly and asserts his own claim, realizing that the news of his engagement must now be made public to protect Isabel's honor.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Aristocracy
The chapter explores the tension between aristocratic lineage and American commoner status, as Dolly dismisses Isabel's hopes of becoming Duchess of Omnium and Silverbridge defends her honor.
Love vs. Duty
Silverbridge struggles between his love for Isabel and his duty to his father's wishes, while Dolly's proposal represents a pragmatic view of marriage versus genuine attachment.
Gender Roles and Women's Agency
Isabel is discussed as an object of male pursuit, with Dolly assuming he can 'make an English lady of her,' reflecting the limited agency of women in marriage decisions.
Characters to notice
- Lord Silverbridge
Moody and contemplative after his father's refusal to accept his engagement to Isabel Boncassen; becomes enraged when Dolly Longstaff proposes to Isabel and insults her.
- Dolly Longstaff
Visits Silverbridge to confess his love for Isabel Boncassen and ask for help; calls her a 'pert poppet' and dismisses her chances of becoming Duchess of Omnium.
- The Duke of Omnium
Mentioned as having been eloquent and kind but not yielding to Silverbridge's plea regarding Isabel.
- Isabel Boncassen
The object of both Silverbridge's and Dolly's affections; referred to as a 'pert poppet' by Dolly and as Silverbridge's 'Holy of Holies.'
Key passages
“She was his Holy of Holies, at which vulgar eyes should not even be allowed to gaze.”
Isabel was sacred to him, and it was profane for someone like Dolly to even speak of her.
Silverbridge's intense reverence for Isabel, contrasting with Dolly's crude dismissal.
“It was Titania and Bottom over again.”
The idea of Isabel with Dolly was as absurd as a fairy queen with a donkey-headed weaver.
Silverbridge's literary allusion to Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' to express the incongruity of the match.
“You might as well think of marrying one of the stars.”
Marrying Isabel is as impossible as reaching for a celestial body.
Silverbridge's hyperbolic rejection of Dolly's pretensions.