# II: I Go Home, and Harp on the Old String explained — The History of Henry Esmond

> Chapter companion for The History of Henry Esmond by William Makepeace Thackeray.

## What happens

Colonel Esmond returns to London bearing news of Frank Castlewood's secret marriage to a Roman Catholic lady, Mademoiselle de Wertheim. He visits Lady Castlewood, who reveals she has learned of his true inheritance and insists on calling him 'my lord.' Esmond reflects on his unrequited devotion to Beatrix, engaging in philosophical banter with Henry St. John about ambition and love. He reconciles Lady Castlewood to Frank's marriage, and she writes a gentle letter of acceptance, though she worries her frugal stewardship has weakened her hold on her son.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Duty

Esmond's devotion to Beatrix and his sense of duty to Lady Castlewood and Frank are central; his love is portrayed as a consuming passion akin to a knight's quest.

### Family and Kinship

The chapter explores family bonds through Frank's marriage, Lady Castlewood's stewardship, and Esmond's role as a trusted intermediary.

### Honor and Sacrifice

Esmond's willingness to sacrifice for his loved ones is highlighted, as is Lady Castlewood's selfless management of the estate for Frank's benefit.

## Character check-ins

### Henry Esmond

Returns to London as bearer of Frank's marriage news; reflects on his love for Beatrix and debates ambition with St. John.

### Lady Castlewood

Learns of Frank's marriage; insists on calling Esmond 'my lord'; writes a gentle letter to her new daughter-in-law.

### Frank Castlewood

Married Mademoiselle de Wertheim in Brussels; writes to Esmond to break the news and ask for rents.

### Beatrix Esmond

Absent at Windsor; described as the ruler of the household and engaged in town pleasures.

### Henry St. John

Debates with Esmond about ambition and love; mocks Esmond's devotion to Beatrix.

### Father Holt

Mentioned as having performed Frank's marriage ceremony at St. Gudule.

## Key lines

> Had Esmond possessed the Great Mogul's crown and all his diamonds, or all the Duke of Marlborough's money, or all the ingots sunk at Vigo, he would have given them all for this woman.

Esmond would trade any wealth or treasure for the woman he loves.

_Illustrates the depth of Esmond's devotion to Beatrix._

> I am Diogenes, that is taken up for a ride in Alexander's chariot. I have no desire to vanquish Darius or to tame Bucephalus.

Esmond compares himself to Diogenes, content with his simple pursuit of love, unlike St. John's ambitious schemes.

_Highlights Esmond's self-awareness and philosophical stance on ambition._

> But in saving my son's fortune, I fear I have lost a great part of my hold on him.

Lady Castlewood worries that her careful management of the estate has alienated Frank.

_Reveals the tension between maternal care and a child's desire for independence._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/ii-i-go-home-and-harp-on-the-old-string
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters