# III explained — The Enchanted April

> Chapter companion for The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim.

## What happens

Mrs. Arbuthnot and Mrs. Wilkins interview Mrs. Fisher, who is absorbed in memories of famous Victorians and asks for references. Mrs. Wilkins' excitable talk of seeing Keats alarms Mrs. Fisher, but after a tense exchange, Mrs. Fisher waives references. Later, the women learn the castle rent is £60 and the owner wants references. Mrs. Arbuthnot pays the full rent in person, and the owner waives the references upon meeting her.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Money

The negotiation over references and the high rent (£60) highlight class distinctions and financial constraints. Mrs. Fisher's august references (Archbishop of Canterbury, etc.) underscore her social standing.

### Female Friendship and Solidarity

Mrs. Arbuthnot and Mrs. Wilkins present a united front during the interview with Mrs. Fisher, and later work together to solve the rent and reference problems.

### The Contrast Between Appearance and Reality

Mrs. Wilkins' claim to have seen Keats contrasts with Mrs. Fisher's pragmatic concerns. The women's plan to give out false explanations about their trip also illustrates this theme.

## Character check-ins

### Mrs. Fisher

Interviewed by Lotty and Rose; absorbed in memories of Carlyle, Meredith, and others; asks for references but eventually waives them.

### Mrs. Wilkins

Excited by Mrs. Fisher's reminiscences; interrupts to ask about Keats; flustered when Mrs. Fisher asks for references; later suggests waiving Mrs. Fisher.

### Mrs. Arbuthnot

Calm and dignified during the interview; insists references are not needed; later pays the full castle rent in person to the owner.

### Mr. Briggs

Owner of the medieval castle; writes a polite letter requesting references and half the rent in advance; waives references after meeting Mrs. Arbuthnot.

## Key lines

> She only asked, she said, to be allowed to sit quiet in the sun and remember.

Mrs. Fisher's only request was to sit peacefully in the sun and reminisce.

_This sets the tone for the shared holiday ideal._

> I really thought I saw him—he was dressed in a—

Mrs. Wilkins insists she saw Keats crossing the road in Hampstead.

_Highlights Mrs. Wilkins' imaginative and excitable nature._

> Very well. I waive references.

Mrs. Fisher agrees to forgo the references.

_Shows Mrs. Fisher's condescension and the power dynamic._

> It'll be all right. Do sit down, won't you? Nasty day, isn't it?

The castle owner reassures Mrs. Arbuthnot and drops the reference requirement.

_Demonstrates the owner's trust after meeting Mrs. Arbuthnot in person._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_enchanted_april_se/chapters/iii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_enchanted_april_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_enchanted_april_se/chapters