XXI: “Ianthe’s Soul” explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Deception and Perjury

  Lizzie's false and bad nature is highlighted; she seeks mock sympathy and pretends to poetic sentiment, while Miss Macnulty sees through her falseness.

• Class and Privilege

  Lizzie's wealth and status are contrasted with her isolation; her servants are distant, and she cannot command genuine loyalty or sympathy despite her prosperity.

• Truth vs. Appearance

  Lizzie presents herself as a poetic, wronged widow, but Miss Macnulty perceives her worthlessness and falseness; the castle's grandeur masks its discomfort and neglect.

Characters to notice

• Lizzie Eustace

  Feels oppressed by the public diamond claim, seeks sympathy from Miss Macnulty, reflects on her engagement to Lord Fawn and her dangerous feelings for Frank Greystock, and quotes Shelley's 'Queen Mab' while gazing at the sea.

• Miss Macnulty

  Lizzie's humble companion who is hard, unresponsive, and unable to pretend belief in Lizzie's rhapsodies; she finds the light too strong and cannot appreciate the poetry.

• Lord Fawn

  Lizzie considers herself still engaged to him, but he has declared his intention to break off the match; Lizzie is determined to marry him despite the quarrel.

• Frank Greystock

  Lizzie thinks he might sympathize with her, but she fears that such sympathy would be dangerous if she decides to proceed with the Fawn marriage.

• Mr. Camperdown

  The odious lawyer who publicly discussed the diamond claim in the streets, causing Lizzie great distress.

• Patience Crabstick

  Lizzie's maid, who can do hair well but is not much closer to Lizzie than the footman.

• Sir Florian Eustace

  Deceased husband of Lizzie; she recalls their days at Naples and quotes poetry as if apostrophizing his soul.

Key passages

• “She declared to herself that she could pour herself out on Miss Macnulty’s bosom, and mingle her tears even with Miss Macnulty’s, if only Miss Macnulty would believe in her.”

  Lizzie wished she could confide fully in Miss Macnulty and share her sorrow, but only if Miss Macnulty would trust her.

  Illustrates Lizzie's desperate need for validation and her frustration with Miss Macnulty's skepticism.

• “But Miss Macnulty was as hard as a deal board. She did as she was bidden, thereby earning her bread. But there was no tenderness in her;—no delicacy;—no feeling;—no comprehension.”

  Miss Macnulty was unyielding and merely performed her duties for pay, lacking any warmth or understanding.

  Highlights the emotional distance between Lizzie and her companion.

• “‘Soul of Ianthe!’ she said, meaning to apostrophise that of the deceased Sir Florian.”

  Lizzie invoked the soul of her dead husband, Sir Florian, using a line from Shelley's poem.

  Shows Lizzie's attempt to create a poetic, romantic image of herself as a grieving widow.

• “‘It stands all-beautiful in naked purity,’ she continued, still alluding to poor Sir Florian’s soul. ‘Instinct with inexpressible beauty and grace, Each stain of earthliness had passed away.’”

  Lizzie quoted Shelley to describe Sir Florian's soul as pure and beautiful, free from earthly flaws.

  Demonstrates her use of poetry to embellish her grief and impress her companion.

• “‘To tell the truth,’ said Miss Macnulty, ‘I never understand poetry when it is quoted unless I happen to know the passage beforehand. I think I’ll go away from this, for the light is too much for my poor old eyes.’”

  Miss Macnulty admitted she couldn't follow the poetry and excused herself due to the bright light.

  Reveals Miss Macnulty's inability or unwillingness to engage with Lizzie's pretensions.