The Eustace Diamonds · Chapter
Mr. Burke’s Speeches explained
Lucy Morris, still stung by Lady Fawn's warning against loving Frank Greystock, defends Frank's parliamentary speech about the Sawab of Mygawb against Lord Fawn's criticism.
What happens
Lucy Morris, still stung by Lady Fawn's warning against loving Frank Greystock, defends Frank's parliamentary speech about the Sawab of Mygawb against Lord Fawn's criticism. The argument escalates when Lord Fawn invokes Burke's speeches, leading Lucy to admit ignorance. The chapter explores Lucy's inner turmoil over her unrequited love for Frank and her sense of injustice.
Themes in this chapter
Class and Privilege
Lord Fawn's haughty superiority over the women of his family and Lucy's position as a governess highlight class dynamics and the limits of her social standing.
Truth vs. Appearance
Lucy's internal conflict between her love for Frank and the appearance of propriety expected of a governess reflects the tension between inner truth and social facade.
Gender and Power
Lucy's argument with Lord Fawn shows a woman challenging a man's authority in a domestic setting, but she is ultimately silenced by his invocation of classical knowledge.
Characters to notice
- Lucy Morris
Defends Frank Greystock's speech against Lord Fawn's criticism, struggles with her unrequited love for Frank and Lady Fawn's warning.
- Lord Fawn
Criticizes Frank Greystock's speech about the Sawab, invokes Burke's speeches in argument with Lucy.
- Frank Greystock
His parliamentary speech on behalf of the Sawab of Mygawb is defended by Lucy and criticized by Lord Fawn.
- Lady Fawn
Warns Lucy about loving Frank Greystock, tries to mediate the argument between Lucy and Lord Fawn.
- Sawab of Mygawb
The Indian prince whose claim is the subject of Frank Greystock's speech and the political debate.
- Lydia Fawn
Mentioned as having a plain, colourless countenance that Lucy delights in.
- Lizzie Eustace
Mentioned as having a lovely form and face that are distasteful to Lucy.
- Augusta Fawn
Criticizes Frank Greystock's speech, saying he should have abstained from attacking Frederic (Lord Fawn).
Key passages
“I think Mr. Greystock was right to say all he could for the prince. If he took up the cause, he was bound to make the best of it.”
Lucy defends Frank's advocacy for the Sawab, arguing that once he took the case, he had to present it as strongly as possible.
Lucy's defense of Frank's speech against Lord Fawn's criticism.
“I think it was the very best speech I ever read in my life,”
Lucy declares Frank's speech the best she has ever read.
Lucy's enthusiastic praise of Frank's parliamentary speech.
“Then, Miss Morris, you and I have very different opinions about speeches. You have, probably, never read Burke's speeches.”
Lord Fawn dismisses Lucy's opinion by implying her ignorance of classical oratory like Burke's.
Lord Fawn uses Burke's speeches to undermine Lucy's judgment.
“I didn't mean anything at all. Lord Fawn is trying to help you, my dear. I don't want to be helped.”
Lucy retracts her argument, rejecting Lady Fawn's attempt to mediate.
Lucy's frustration and refusal of help after being cornered in the argument.
