The History of Henry Esmond · Chapter
III: A Paper Out of the Spectator explained
Henry Esmond reflects on his hopeless love for Beatrix, who mocks him and declares her desire for a wealthy husband.
What happens
Henry Esmond reflects on his hopeless love for Beatrix, who mocks him and declares her desire for a wealthy husband. Esmond considers emigrating to America. Lady Castlewood reveals that the Duke of Hamilton has proposed to Beatrix and she will marry him.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Duty
Esmond's unrequited love for Beatrix conflicts with his sense of duty and honor.
Social Class and Identity
Beatrix's pursuit of a wealthy husband and Esmond's consideration of emigrating to America highlight class and status concerns.
Characters to notice
- Henry Esmond
Suffering from unrequited love for Beatrix; considers leaving for the New World.
- Beatrix Esmond
Flirts with Esmond, mocks him, and announces her intention to marry a wealthy suitor; accepts the Duke of Hamilton's proposal.
- Lady Castlewood
Listens to Esmond's confessions and informs him of Beatrix's engagement to the Duke of Hamilton.
- Duke of Hamilton
Proposes to Beatrix; enters the room as Esmond departs.
- General Webb
Visits Esmond at his lodging; discusses the Wynendael affair.
- Joseph Addison
Visits Esmond; discusses literature and politics; brings out his play 'Cato'.
Key passages
“Esmond went away from his mistress and was cured a half-dozen times; he came back to her side, and instantly fell ill again of the fever.”
Esmond repeatedly left Beatrix to get over his love, but each time he returned, his feelings immediately revived.
Illustrates the cyclical nature of Esmond's hopeless passion.
“My face is my fortune. Who’ll come?—buy, buy, buy! I cannot toil, neither can I spin, but I can play twenty-three games on the cards.”
Beatrix openly declares that her beauty is her only asset and that she seeks a wealthy husband, not a life of work.
Highlights Beatrix's worldly and pragmatic view of marriage.