The Duke’s Children · Chapter
The Langham Hotel explained
Isabel Boncassen reflects on her growing attraction to English aristocratic life, despite her republican ideals.
What happens
Isabel Boncassen reflects on her growing attraction to English aristocratic life, despite her republican ideals. She is visited by Dolly Longstaff, who makes another awkward attempt at courtship, and then by Lord Silverbridge, who returns after a brief departure to assert his presence. The chapter explores Isabel's internal conflict between her American identity and the allure of English luxury.
Themes in this chapter
American vs. British Values
Isabel's internal conflict between her republican ideals and the allure of English aristocratic life is central to the chapter.
Gender Roles and Women's Agency
Isabel's witty and assertive responses to Dolly's courtship demonstrate her agency in navigating male attention.
Characters to notice
- Isabel Boncassen
Reflects on her feelings about English society and her interactions with Dolly Longstaff and Lord Silverbridge.
- Dolly Longstaff
Visits Isabel at the Langham Hotel and attempts to court her, but is rebuffed.
- Lord Silverbridge
Visits Isabel after Dolly, leaves, then returns to continue his conversation with her.
- Mr. Boncassen
Discusses the English climate and society with his wife and daughter at Maidenhead.
- Mrs. Boncassen
Complains about the English climate and expresses a wish to return to New York.
Key passages
“Like most Americans who do not as yet know the country, she had come with an inward feeling that as an American and a republican she might probably be despised.”
Isabel initially feared that Americans would be looked down upon in England.
Reflects her anxiety about being accepted in English society.
“I never quarrel with a woman, said Dolly. Nor with a man in my presence, I hope, said Miss Boncassen.”
Isabel rebukes Dolly for his rudeness toward Silverbridge.
Shows Isabel's sharp wit and social confidence.