The Getting of Wisdom · Chapter
XIV explained
Laura is invited to lunch with Tilly's relatives, where she is told that her cousin Bob is 'gone on' her.
What happens
Laura is invited to lunch with Tilly's relatives, where she is told that her cousin Bob is 'gone on' her. The day involves dressing up, promenading Collins Street, and an awkward encounter with Bob, who is more interested in other girls. Lunch at the house is tense, with Uncle Tom teasing Laura about his missing scent.
Themes in this chapter
Female Adolescence and Sexuality
Laura's anxiety about attracting Bob and her lack of understanding of romantic expectations highlight her adolescent naivety.
Social Conformity vs. Individuality
Laura feels pressured to conform to Tilly's standards of dress and behavior, borrowing a sash and suppressing her own preferences.
Class, Money, and Social Status
The invitation to the 'big house' and the promenade on Collins Street reflect the social aspirations and class distinctions among the girls.
Characters to notice
- Laura Rambotham
Feels flattered but embarrassed about Bob's interest; struggles with shyness and social awkwardness during the promenade and lunch.
- Tilly Macnamara
Acts as matchmaker, criticizes Laura's dress, and is preoccupied with her own appearance and flirting during the walk.
- Bob
Handsome youth who is supposedly 'gone on' Laura but shows more interest in the Woodward girls; teases Laura with his smile.
- Uncle Tom
Teases Laura at lunch by pretending someone used his scent, causing her discomfort.
Key passages
“My cousin Bob's awfully gone on you.”
Tilly tells Laura that her cousin Bob has a crush on her.
This sets up the central social tension of the chapter.
“Oh, I say, don't put on that brown hat … for mercy's sake! Bob can't stand brown.”
Tilly criticizes Laura's choice of hat, insisting Bob dislikes brown.
Illustrates Tilly's controlling influence over Laura's appearance.
“She had a knack which seemed to Laura both desirable and unattainable: that of appearing to be engrossed in glib chat with her companion, while in reality she did not hear a word Laura said, and ogled everyone who passed, out of the tail of her eye.”
Tilly skillfully pretends to talk to Laura while actually scanning the crowd for attractive men.
Highlights Tilly's social savvy and Laura's admiration for it.
“If only Tilly did not see him, too! But no such luck was hers.”
Laura spots Bob but wishes Tilly hadn't noticed him as well.
Shows Laura's growing anxiety about the encounter.
“Now was the moment, felt Laura, to say something very witty, or pert, or clever; and a little pulse in her throat beat hard, as she furiously racked her brains.”
Laura feels pressured to make clever conversation with Bob but cannot think of anything to say.
Captures Laura's social insecurity and self-consciousness.