# XI explained — The Enchanted April

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

## What happens

Mrs. Wilkins and Mrs. Arbuthnot confront Mrs. Fisher over the use of the sitting room, leading to a tense exchange about possession and sharing. Later, Mrs. Wilkins reveals she has written to her husband Mellersh inviting him to San Salvatore, expressing a newfound desire for love and generosity. Mrs. Arbuthnot struggles with her own feelings about her husband Frederick and the possibility of inviting him.

## Themes in this chapter

### Escape and Renewal

The transformative power of San Salvatore is evident as Mrs. Wilkins undergoes a rapid shift toward love and generosity, while Mrs. Arbuthnot grapples with her own emotional constraints.

### Self-Discovery and Transformation

Mrs. Wilkins's journey from selfishness to selflessness is highlighted, as she re-evaluates her relationship with Mellersh and embraces a new, more loving perspective.

### Social Class and Money

Mrs. Fisher's possessiveness over the sitting room and her reference to 'Prince of Wales Terrace' underscore class distinctions and the tension between sharing and ownership.

## Character check-ins

### Mrs. Fisher

Claims the sitting room as her own, asserting her need for quiet and privacy; clashes with Mrs. Wilkins and Mrs. Arbuthnot over the space.

### Mrs. Wilkins

Shows remarkable transformation, expressing love and forgiveness toward Mellersh; writes to invite him to San Salvatore, embracing generosity and selflessness.

### Mrs. Arbuthnot

Struggles with her feelings about Frederick, unable to bring herself to write to him; observes Lotty's rapid spiritual growth with bewilderment and concern.

### Mr. Wilkins

Mentioned as the recipient of Mrs. Wilkins's letter; she now sees him as deserving of love and a share in the beauty of San Salvatore.

### Frederick

Referenced in Mrs. Arbuthnot's thoughts; she fears writing to him due to his likely indifferent response and the pain it would cause.

## Key lines

> The sweet smells that were everywhere in San Salvatore were alone enough to produce concord.

The pervasive pleasant fragrances at San Salvatore naturally fostered harmony among the guests.

_Highlights the atmospheric influence of the setting on the characters' moods._

> I was a mean dog to go off and leave him, but no dog I’ve ever heard of was as mean as I’d be if I didn’t try and persuade Mellersh to come out and enjoy this too.

Mrs. Wilkins admits her selfishness in leaving her husband behind and now feels compelled to share the beauty of San Salvatore with him.

_Illustrates Lotty's rapid moral awakening and desire for reconciliation._

> It’s only love that’s any good.

Mrs. Wilkins asserts that love is the only meaningful force, dismissing justice as indistinguishable from vengeance.

_Captures the chapter's central theme of transformative love._

## Links

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