The Enchanted April · Chapter
XXII explained
Mrs.
What happens
Mrs. Wilkins observes Mrs. Fisher's loneliness and feels a growing bond with her, kissing her and realizing she might be the 'other half' of Mrs. Fisher's pair. Meanwhile, Scrap reflects on love's inverted wonders and her own spoiled nature, while Frederick expresses gratitude to Scrap for her loyalty. Mr. Wilkins worries about Scrap encouraging Mr. Briggs, but Lotty draws him away, leaving Scrap and Briggs alone in the garden.
Themes in this chapter
Female Friendship and Solidarity
Mrs. Wilkins and Mrs. Fisher share a tender moment, with Mrs. Wilkins feeling she may become Mrs. Fisher's 'other half,' highlighting a growing bond between the women.
Love and Marriage
Frederick's gratitude to Scrap and his reunion with Rose contrast with Scrap's cynical view of love as something that can spoil rather than transform.
The Contrast Between Appearance and Reality
Scrap feels she appears beautiful but is inwardly 'spoilt and selfish,' while Mr. Wilkins misreads the situation between Scrap and Briggs, seeing encouragement where there may be none.
Characters to notice
- Mrs. Fisher
Feels lonely and craves the living; responds warmly to Mrs. Wilkins's kiss, suggesting a budding friendship.
- Mrs. Wilkins
Senses she might become Mrs. Fisher's close friend; teases Mr. Wilkins about the 'Briggses' and draws him away from the garden.
- Scrap
Reflects on being a 'spoilt, sour, suspicious, selfish spinster' due to excessive love; appreciates Frederick's compliments but feels wistful.
- Frederick
Finds Scrap to thank her for her loyalty and declares he will adore her forever; kisses her hand before hurrying to Rose.
- Mr. Wilkins
Disapproves of Scrap's encouragement of Mr. Briggs; tries to intervene but is led away by Lotty.
- Mr. Briggs
Infatuated with Scrap; ignores Mr. Wilkins and continues gazing at her in the garden.
Key passages
“She craved for the living, the developing—the crystallised and finished wearied her.”
Mrs. Fisher longs for people who are still growing and changing, finding those who are complete and unchanging tiresome.
Reflects Mrs. Fisher's desire for connection with the living, especially after feeling lonely.
“I see them being the Briggses.”
Mrs. Wilkins predicts that Scrap and Mr. Briggs will end up together as a couple.
Highlights Mrs. Wilkins's intuitive belief in the transformative power of San Salvatore.
“She was a spoilt, a sour, a suspicious, and a selfish spinster.”
Scrap describes herself as having been ruined by excessive attention, becoming bitter and self-centered.
Shows Scrap's self-awareness and her critical view of her own character.