The Getting of Wisdom · Chapter
XXII explained
Laura is assigned to share a room with Evelyn Souttar, a popular and wealthy older girl.
What happens
Laura is assigned to share a room with Evelyn Souttar, a popular and wealthy older girl. Initially resentful, Laura discovers Evelyn chose her as a roommate, leading to a deep friendship. Evelyn's easygoing nature and acceptance help Laura regain confidence, and she confesses her past deception about the Shepherds, which Evelyn finds amusing. Their bond grows through late-night talks, but Laura faces a rude awakening when she meets Evelyn's sophisticated family and friends.
Themes in this chapter
Friendship and the Desire for Belonging
Laura's longing for genuine connection is fulfilled through Evelyn's unexpected friendship, which provides acceptance and warmth.
Truth, Lies, and Self-Deception
Laura confesses her fabricated romance with Mr. Shepherd to Evelyn, who laughs it off, reframing the lie as cleverness rather than shame.
Class, Money, and Social Status
Evelyn's wealth and sophistication contrast with Laura's drab background, highlighted by the dinner at a hotel and Evelyn's elegant mother.
Characters to notice
- Laura Rambotham
Struggles with being moved to Evelyn's room, then blossoms under Evelyn's friendship, regaining self-assurance and sharing her secrets.
- Evelyn Souttar
Wealthy, pretty, and good-natured; she chooses Laura as her roommate, offers kindness and common sense, and becomes Laura's confidante.
- Miss Chapman
Kindly governess who informs Laura of the room change and tries to soothe her resistance.
- Cupid
Rebukes Laura for her bitter attitude about the room change, calling her a bore.
- Mary Pidwall
Mentioned as one of Laura's past chums; Evelyn dismisses her moral strictures as 'tommyrot'.
Key passages
“And then, alas! just as she rode high on this wave of approbation, Laura suffered another of those drops in the esteem of her fellows, another of those mental upsets, which from time to time had thrown her young life out of gear.”
Just when Laura was feeling popular again, she experienced another fall from favor and emotional turmoil, as had happened before.
Sets up the chapter's central conflict of Laura's fluctuating social standing.
“Once more, the lambkin called Laura saw fit to sunder itself from the flock, and to cut mad capers in sight of them all.”
Laura, like a playful lamb, again separated herself from the group and acted wildly in front of everyone.
Metaphor for Laura's nonconformity and its consequences.
“Evelyn had stoutly, and without waiting for permission, crossed the barrier; and each new incident in her approach was pleasanter than the last.”
Evelyn boldly broke through Laura's defenses, and every step she took toward friendship was more delightful.
Highlights Evelyn's proactive role in forming the bond.
“Laura soon learnt that she could cuddle in under it, and be screened by it, as a lamb is screened by its mother’s woolly coat.”
Laura found comfort and protection in Evelyn's good nature, like a lamb sheltered by its mother's fleece.
Emphasizes the nurturing quality of Evelyn's friendship.
“To her astonishment, Evelyn, who was already in bed, laughed till the tears ran down her cheeks.”
Evelyn found Laura's confession so funny that she laughed uncontrollably.
Shows Evelyn's nonjudgmental and humorous reaction to Laura's past deception.
