The Enchanted April · Chapter
XVI explained
The second week at San Salvatore brings harmony among the guests.
What happens
The second week at San Salvatore brings harmony among the guests. Mr. Wilkins arrives and, contrary to expectations, fits in perfectly, becoming amiable and affectionate toward his wife Lotty. His transformation inspires Rose and Scrap to believe in the purging influence of San Salvatore, leading Rose to consider writing to Frederick. Mrs. Fisher, however, grows restless and uneasy, feeling on the brink of an unseemly 'green' renewal. The chapter ends with descriptions of the beautiful, jumbled spring and summer flowers in the garden.
Themes in this chapter
Escape and Renewal
San Salvatore is depicted as a place of transformation, purging characters of their old selves and fostering new harmony.
Self-Discovery and Transformation
Mr. Wilkins, Rose, Scrap, and even Mrs. Fisher undergo internal changes, questioning their former behaviors and beliefs.
Love and Marriage
The Wilkins' marriage improves through mutual affection; Rose contemplates rekindling love with Frederick.
Beauty and Nature
The garden's lush, jumbled blooms—narcissus, gladiolus, lilac—symbolize the transformative and abundant beauty of San Salvatore.
Characters to notice
- Mrs. Wilkins
Lotty expands and becomes 'really very nice' under Mr. Wilkins's newfound affection; she marvels at his rapidly developing affectionateness.
- Mr. Wilkins
Arrives and fits in harmoniously; he is determined to please, becomes affectionate with Lotty, and plans to pay for her holiday as a surprise.
- Mrs. Arbuthnot
Rose begins to think of writing to Frederick, hoping San Salvatore might change him; she questions her former strait-lacedness.
- Scrap
Scrap experiences nicer thoughts about her parents and a glimmer of gratitude; she feels the working of San Salvatore on her character.
- Mrs. Fisher
Mrs. Fisher grows restless and uneasy, fearing she is on the brink of an unsuitable 'green' renewal; she wanders aimlessly in the garden.
- Frederick
Mentioned as the object of Rose's hope that San Salvatore might change him.
- Kate Lumley
Mrs. Fisher is thankful Kate is not present, as she would be a witness to any potential change in behavior.
Key passages
“He fitted in. He was determined to please, and he did please.”
Mr. Wilkins adapted seamlessly to the group, making a conscious effort to be agreeable and succeeding.
Highlights Mr. Wilkins's unexpected integration into the harmonious second week.
“If Mr. Wilkins could be changed, thought Rose, why not Frederick?”
Rose reasoned that if San Salvatore could transform Mr. Wilkins, it might also change Frederick for the better.
Shows Rose's growing hope and willingness to reconcile with her husband.
“She felt she could let herself go... much less painfully before strangers than before an old friend.”
Mrs. Fisher believed she could more easily relax and change in front of people she didn't know well than in front of a lifelong friend like Kate.
Reveals Mrs. Fisher's fear of being judged for any uncharacteristic behavior.
“Such a jumble of spring and summer was not to be believed in, except by those who dwelt in those gardens.”
The garden's mix of spring and summer flowers seemed impossible, but was real for the residents of San Salvatore.
Emphasizes the magical, timeless quality of the setting.
