# Tribute explained — The Eustace Diamonds

> Chapter companion for The Eustace Diamonds by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

Lizzie Eustace delays her journey to Scotland despite Frank Greystock's urgings, as she hopes to secure his affection. Meanwhile, preparations for Lucinda Roanoke's marriage to Sir Griffin Tewett proceed, with Lucinda expressing deep reluctance and disdain for the gifts and the match. Frank struggles with his feelings for Lizzie, knowing she is deceitful, yet finds himself drawn to her, while also grappling with his own financial troubles and his commitment to Lucy Morris.

## Themes in this chapter

### Marriage as Transaction

Lucinda's marriage to Sir Griffin is portrayed as a mercenary arrangement, with Mrs. Carbuncle working to secure the match despite Lucinda's reluctance, and gifts being treated as commodities.

### Deception and Perjury

Lizzie's manipulative behavior and Frank's self-deception about his feelings highlight the theme of deceit, with Lizzie aware of her own 'paste' nature versus Lucy's genuine 'stone.'

### Class and Privilege

The financial pressures on Frank Greystock, despite his high income, and the reliance on credit for wedding gifts reflect the precariousness of maintaining upper-class appearances.

## Character check-ins

### Lizzie Eustace

Delays her departure to Scotland, manipulates Frank Greystock with tears and affection, and reflects on her own falseness compared to Lucy Morris.

### Frank Greystock

Urges Lizzie to leave London, condemns her associates, but is torn by his attraction to her; also worries about his debts and his engagement to Lucy.

### Lucinda Roanoke

Expresses hatred for the wedding gifts and her impending marriage to Sir Griffin, threatening to call it off.

### Mrs. Carbuncle

Actively arranges Lucinda's marriage and wedding presents, urging Lizzie to stay in London until the wedding.

### Lucy Morris

Mentioned by Lizzie as the woman Frank is treating badly; Lizzie acknowledges Lucy's genuine nature.

### Lord George de Bruce Carruthers

Suspected by Frank of involvement in the diamond theft, though Lizzie denies seeing him.

## Key lines

> Miss Roanoke⁠—or her aunt for her⁠—liked a thirty-guinea ring, and bought it, having the bill for the balance sent in to Mr. Cabob.

Lucinda or her aunt selected an expensive ring and charged the remainder to Mr. Cabob.

_Illustrates the transactional nature of the wedding gifts and the exploitation of acquaintances._

> Lucy held her ground because she was real. You may knock about a diamond, and not even scratch it; whereas paste in rough usage betrays itself.

Lucy's authenticity made her steadfast, unlike Lizzie's artificiality which would eventually be exposed.

_Highlights the contrast between genuine character and pretense, central to Lizzie's self-awareness._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_eustace_diamonds_se/chapters/lxv-tribute
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_eustace_diamonds_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_eustace_diamonds_se/chapters