The Good Soldier · Chapter
II explained
After Florence's death, Leonora closely monitors Edward and Nancy at Nauheim, recognizing Edward's growing attachment.
What happens
After Florence's death, Leonora closely monitors Edward and Nancy at Nauheim, recognizing Edward's growing attachment. Nancy, innocent and complex, seeks Edward's attention as she always has. Leonora, through silent vigilance and strategic excuses, prevents them from being alone. Edward eventually yields to Leonora's control, claiming illness to avoid walks with Nancy. Leonora then tests him by allowing a night out, which he accepts. The chapter also delves into Nancy's troubled childhood, her convent education, and her emotional depth.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Betrayal
Leonora's silent manipulation and Edward's feigned illness to control Nancy's access reflect layers of deception.
Gender Roles and Power
Leonora exerts power through domestic and social strategies, while Edward's authority is undermined by his illness and dependence.
Suffering and Sacrifice
Nancy's traumatic childhood and Leonora's silent endurance of Edward's behavior highlight themes of suffering.
Characters to notice
- Leonora Ashburnham
Vigilantly watches Edward and Nancy after Florence's death, using silent control and strategic excuses to keep them apart.
- Edward Ashburnham
Shows signs of illness and heavy drinking; yields to Leonora's control by claiming a doctor's order to go to bed early.
- Nancy Rufford
Innocent and complex, with a troubled childhood; seeks Edward's attention and displays a mix of grotesque and beautiful traits.
- John Dowell
Narrates the chapter, reflecting on Nancy's character and her past, including her convent life and family history.
- Florence Dowell
Recently deceased; her death is a catalyst for Leonora's actions, though Edward shows no remorse.
Key passages
“Immediately after Florence’s death Leonora began to put the leash upon Nancy Rufford and Edward.”
Right after Florence died, Leonora started to control Nancy and Edward's interactions.
Leonora's immediate response to the threat of Edward's attachment to Nancy.
“She was tall and strikingly thin; she had a tortured mouth, agonized eyes, and a quite extraordinary sense of fun.”
Nancy was tall and very thin, with a pained expression and eyes full of anguish, yet she had a remarkable sense of humor.
Dowell's description of Nancy's paradoxical appearance and personality.
“Doctor von Hauptmann has ordered me to go to bed immediately after dinner. My heart’s much worse.”
The doctor told me I must go to bed right after dinner because my heart condition has worsened.
Edward uses a false medical excuse to avoid being alone with Nancy, as Leonora understands.