The Eustace Diamonds · Chapter
XL: “You Are Not Angry?” explained
After a triumphant day of hunting, Lizzie Eustace basks in the glory of her adventure with Lord George de Bruce Carruthers, whom she romanticizes as her Corsair.
What happens
After a triumphant day of hunting, Lizzie Eustace basks in the glory of her adventure with Lord George de Bruce Carruthers, whom she romanticizes as her Corsair. The party returns to Portray Castle, where Sir Griffin Tewett remains sulky, and Lucinda Roanoke reveals that Sir Griffin proposed to her. Lizzie, feeling euphoric, seeks reassurance from her cousin Frank Greystock that he is not angry with her for choosing Lord George as her riding companion. Meanwhile, Lord George and Sir Griffin exchange banter about their romantic intentions, and Frank Greystock reflects on his obligation to Mr. Nappie for the horse he rode.
Themes in this chapter
Social Climbing and Ambition
Lizzie's euphoria over her successful day with Lord George reflects her ambition to secure a powerful and romantic connection, while she carefully balances her interest in the Corsair with her need to maintain her relationship with Frank.
Gender and Power
Lizzie uses her charm and wit to navigate male-dominated social spaces, while Lucinda's fall into the water and Sir Griffin's proposal illustrate the precarious position of women in courtship and marriage.
Truth vs. Appearance
Lizzie's outward triumph and happiness mask her careful calculations about her future, and the banter among the characters often conceals deeper tensions and intentions.
Characters to notice
- Lizzie Eustace
Triumphant and euphoric after the hunt, she romanticizes Lord George as her Corsair and seeks Frank's reassurance that he is not angry with her.
- Frank Greystock
Lizzie's cousin, who rode Mr. Nappie's horse and assures Lizzie he is not angry, though he feels uneasy about the obligation.
- Lord George de Bruce Carruthers
Acts as Lizzie's Corsair during the hunt, engages in banter with Sir Griffin, and shows a cynical wit about Mr. Nappie's plight.
- Lucinda Roanoke
Falls into the water during the hunt and later reveals that Sir Griffin proposed to her, though she could not answer while wet.
- Sir Griffin Tewett
Sulky and out of sorts after losing his run and having to rescue Lucinda from the water; he proposes to her but is irritable.
- Mrs. Carbuncle
Participates in the hunt and later discusses the day's events, showing concern for Mr. Nappie's treatment.
Key passages
“To Lizzie it had certainly been the most triumphant day of her life.”
Lizzie felt that this was the greatest success she had ever experienced.
Highlights Lizzie's personal triumph and her romanticization of the day's events.
“Lord George de Bruce Carruthers had in truth been her Corsair, and she had found the thing which she liked to do, and would soon know how to do.”
Lizzie saw Lord George as her romantic hero, and she discovered an activity she truly enjoyed and would master.
Emphasizes Lizzie's romantic fantasy and her growing confidence in navigating social adventures.
“I knew I should only be a hindrance to you.”
Lizzie tells Frank she chose Lord George because she would have slowed him down.
Shows Lizzie's strategic excuse to justify her preference for Lord George's company.