The History of Henry Esmond · Chapter
IX: I Have the Smallpox, and Prepare to Leave Castlewood explained
Henry Esmond recovers from smallpox, which has left Lady Castlewood's beauty diminished.
What happens
Henry Esmond recovers from smallpox, which has left Lady Castlewood's beauty diminished. He struggles with his feelings of guilt and devotion, while preparing to leave Castlewood as his patron Lord Castlewood returns with his daughter Beatrix.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Duty
Henry Esmond's devotion to Lady Castlewood is tested by her illness and his guilt over causing it, while she worries about her husband's love.
Family and Kinship
The bonds between the Castlewood family members are highlighted, especially Lady Castlewood's care for her children and Harry's place in the household.
Memory and Nostalgia
Esmond reflects on past kindnesses from Lady Castlewood, and the chapter evokes a sense of loss and longing for what has changed.
Characters to notice
- Henry Esmond
Recovers from smallpox, feels guilt for causing Lady Castlewood's illness, and prepares to leave Castlewood.
- Lady Castlewood
Suffers from smallpox, her beauty is impaired, and she worries about losing her husband's affection.
- Frank Castlewood
Also suffers from smallpox but recovers without scarring.
- Beatrix Esmond
Returns to Castlewood with her father, described as pert and beautiful.
- Lord Castlewood (Francis)
Returns to Castlewood in high good humor, comments on Harry's appearance.
- Tom Tusher
Makes courtly speeches to Lady Castlewood about her unchanged beauty, rebukes Harry.
Key passages
“It was as if a coarse hand had rubbed off the delicate tints of that sweet picture, and brought it, as one has seen unskilful painting-cleaners do, to the dead color.”
The smallpox had ruined Lady Castlewood's complexion, like a clumsy restorer ruining a painting.
Describes the effect of smallpox on Lady Castlewood's beauty.
“We take such goodness, for the most part, as if it was our due; the Marys who bring ointment for our feet get but little thanks.”
People often accept kindness without gratitude, like the biblical Mary who anointed Jesus' feet.
Reflects on how Lady Castlewood's silent benevolence goes unappreciated.
“In the presence of Death, that sovereign ruler, a woman's coquetry is seared; and her jealousy will hardly pass the boundaries of that grim kingdom.”
Death makes trivial concerns like flirtation and jealousy seem insignificant.
Comment on the sobering effect of mortality on human passions.