The Duke’s Children · Chapter
Do You Ever Think What Money Is? explained
Gerald confesses to his father, the Duke of Omnium, that he lost £3,400 at cards to Lord Percival.
What happens
Gerald confesses to his father, the Duke of Omnium, that he lost £3,400 at cards to Lord Percival. The Duke delivers a stern lecture on the morality of money and gambling, pays the debt, and reflects on his failure to instill his values in his children. He also worries about Silverbridge's proposed marriage to Isabel Boncassen and Mary's attachment to Tregear.
Themes in this chapter
Money and Debt
The Duke's lecture on the moral nature of money and the consequences of gambling debt.
Parental Authority and Rebellion
Gerald's confession and the Duke's struggle to instill his values in his children.
Social Class and Aristocracy
The Duke's concern that his children's marriages and behavior uphold aristocratic honor.
Characters to notice
- Lord Gerald
Confesses his gambling debt to his father and receives a moral lecture.
- The Duke of Omnium
Lectures Gerald on the nature of money and gambling, pays the debt, and reflects on his children's choices.
- Lord Silverbridge
Mentioned as having arranged to pay Gerald's debt and as contemplating marriage to Isabel Boncassen.
- Lord Percival
The professional gambler who won the money from Gerald; the Duke sends him a cheque.
- Lady Mary Palliser
Mentioned in the Duke's thoughts regarding her attachment to Tregear.
- Frank Tregear
Mentioned as the man Mary wishes to marry, whom the Duke reluctantly considers worthy.
Key passages
“Money is the reward of labour... it is a commodity of which you are bound to see that the source is not only clean but noble.”
The Duke explains that money represents honest work and must be obtained honorably.
The Duke's moral philosophy on wealth.
“I can pay three thousand four hundred pounds for you certainly. I think it hard that I should have to do so; but I can do it—and I will do it.”
The Duke agrees to cover Gerald's gambling debt despite his disapproval.
The Duke's reluctant payment of the debt.
“How completely had he failed to indoctrinate his children with the ideas by which his own mind was fortified and controlled!”
The Duke feels he has not successfully taught his children his own values.
The Duke's sense of failure as a parent.