The Enchanted April · Chapter
XVII explained
On the first day of the third week, Rose writes to Frederick, then immediately regrets it, fearing he will not come or will only confirm her fears of boring him.
What happens
On the first day of the third week, Rose writes to Frederick, then immediately regrets it, fearing he will not come or will only confirm her fears of boring him. Lotty is delighted, but Rose grows anxious and withdrawn. Mr. Wilkins, transformed by San Salvatore, repeatedly seeks her out for conversation, though she wishes to be alone. Meanwhile, Mr. Briggs arrives unexpectedly and, struck by Rose's resemblance to a Madonna painting in the castle, insists on taking her for a walk instead of meeting Mrs. Fisher first.
Themes in this chapter
Self-Discovery and Transformation
Rose confronts her own weaknesses—vanity, irritability, and fear of being a bore—as idleness in San Salvatore undoes her carefully constructed emotional stability.
Love and Marriage
Rose's agonized letter to Frederick and her dread of his response highlight the fragility and longing in her marriage.
The Contrast Between Appearance and Reality
Mr. Briggs is struck by Rose's resemblance to a Madonna painting, contrasting her solemn, saintly appearance with her inner turmoil and self-doubt.
Characters to notice
- Mrs. Arbuthnot
Writes to Frederick in a moment of weakness, then regrets it; struggles with vanity, irritability, and a sense of being a bore; seeks solitude but is sought out by Mr. Wilkins and Mr. Briggs.
- Mr. Briggs
Arrives at San Salvatore and is immediately captivated by Rose's likeness to a Madonna painting; speaks fluent Italian; prefers to walk with Rose rather than meet Mrs. Fisher.
- Mrs. Wilkins
Enthusiastically supports Rose's decision to write to Frederick, embracing her with joy.
- Mr. Wilkins
Now ripened by the sun of San Salvatore, he courteously and persistently seeks out Rose for conversation, though she finds him boring.
- Mrs. Fisher
Is having coffee in the top garden when Mr. Briggs arrives; he sends word that he will see her later.
- Francesca
Takes Mr. Briggs's card to the garden; reports that Mrs. Fisher will see him; is amused by the irregularity of four mistresses.
Key passages
““Do you invite me to tea?” he asked Rose, when Francesca had gone. “Of course. It’s your house.” “It isn’t. It’s yours.” “Till Monday week,” she smiled. “Come and show me all the views,” he said eagerly; and it was plain, even to the self-depreciatory Rose, that she did not bore Mr. Briggs.”
Mr. Briggs asks Rose if he is invited to tea; she says yes, noting it is his house, but he insists it is hers until the end of their rental. He eagerly asks her to show him the views, and Rose realizes she does not bore him.
Highlights the immediate rapport between Rose and Mr. Briggs, contrasting with her fear of boring Frederick.
“What things one did when one was idle. This resurrection of Frederick, or rather this attempt to resurrect him, what was it but the result of having nothing whatever to do? She wished she had never come away on a holiday. What did she want with holidays? Work was her salvation; work was the only thing that protected one, that kept one steady and one’s values true.”
Rose reflects that her decision to write to Frederick is a product of idleness, and she regrets the holiday, believing that work alone keeps her stable and true to herself.
Reveals Rose's internal conflict between the restorative power of leisure and her reliance on work as emotional armor.