# IX explained — The Enchanted April

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

## What happens

Mrs. Fisher secures her privacy at San Salvatore by blocking the shared glass door to the battlements, reflecting on the superiority of the past and her economical living. Meanwhile, Scrap (Lady Caroline) avoids lunch, feigning a headache, and is gently attended to by Rose Arbuthnot and Lotty Wilkins, much to her annoyance.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Money

Mrs. Fisher's detailed budgeting and disdain for expenses reveal her careful management of wealth and class expectations.

### The Contrast Between Appearance and Reality

Scrap's feigned headache and the sweet appearance of her invective contrast with her true irritation and desire for solitude.

### Escape and Renewal

Mrs. Fisher seeks escape from London's April and from social intrusions, while Scrap tries to escape maternal attention and social obligations.

## Character check-ins

### Mrs. Fisher

Claims the sitting room and battlements for herself, blocks the shared door, and reflects on her past and finances.

### Scrap

Avoids lunch, feigns a headache, and resists the attention from the other women.

### Mrs. Arbuthnot

Tenderly tries to care for Scrap, offering tea and coffee.

### Mrs. Wilkins

Suggests leaving Scrap quiet, earning a moment of esteem from Scrap.

### Francesca

Assists Mrs. Fisher with blocking the door and later beats the gong to summon Scrap to lunch.

### Domenico

Moves a sarcophagus to block the outside of the glass door as directed by Mrs. Fisher.

## Key lines

> Hardly anything was really worth while, reflected Mrs. Fisher, except the past.

Mrs. Fisher believes that only memories of the past have true value.

_Highlights her nostalgia and disdain for the present._

> No one," said Mrs. Fisher firmly, "will wish to.

Mrs. Fisher asserts that after blocking the door, no one will want to use it.

_Shows her determination to secure privacy._

> When I do not come to meals it is because I do not wish to come to meals," said the irritated Scrap, "and you will not in future disturb me.

Scrap insists that her absence from meals is intentional and should not be questioned.

_Reveals her desire for autonomy and irritation at being disturbed._

## Links

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