The History of Henry Esmond · Chapter
VI: Poor Beatrix explained
Esmond returns to find Beatrix preparing for her marriage to the Duke of Hamilton, surrounded by luxury and vanity.
What happens
Esmond returns to find Beatrix preparing for her marriage to the Duke of Hamilton, surrounded by luxury and vanity. He must break the news of the Duke's death in a duel with Lord Mohun, a tragedy that shatters Beatrix's ambitions and deeply affects Lady Castlewood. The chapter reflects on the transience of worldly hopes and the enduring nature of true affection.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Duty
Esmond's enduring love for Beatrix is contrasted with his duty to inform her of the Duke's death; Beatrix's love for the Duke is revealed as ambition rather than true affection.
Honor and Sacrifice
The duel is framed as a matter of honor, but Esmond questions the worth of such sacrifice; the Duke's death is seen as both a personal tragedy and a political loss.
Politics and Loyalty
The duel is depicted as having political motives, with Mohun and his associates acting as agents of the Whig faction; the Duke's death serves the interests of Marlborough and the Hanoverian succession.
Memory and Nostalgia
Esmond reflects on his past passion for Beatrix, describing it as a permanent part of his being, akin to a scar from battle; the chapter opens with a meditation on the immortality of great affections.
Characters to notice
- Henry Esmond
Narrates the chapter; brings news of the Duke's death to Beatrix and Lady Castlewood; reflects on his past love for Beatrix.
- Beatrix Esmond
The 'poor Beatrix' of the title; engaged to the Duke of Hamilton, she is absorbed in preparations for her wedding and future as a duchess, only to have her hopes dashed by the Duke's death.
- Lady Castlewood
Grieves deeply over the Duke's death; her reaction is more emotional than Beatrix's; she seeks spiritual comfort from Dr. Atterbury.
- Duke of Hamilton
Killed in a duel with Lord Mohun; his death is the central tragedy of the chapter.
- Lord Mohun
The Duke's antagonist in the duel; also dies from wounds received; portrayed as a base and profligate ruffian.
- Francis Atterbury
Dean who visits Lady Castlewood to offer spiritual comfort; deeply affected by the tragedy.
- Captain Macartney
Accused of stabbing the Duke of Hamilton as he lay wounded; flees the country.
- Duke of Marlborough
Mentioned as a Whig and Hanoverian whose party profited from the Duke's death; his men include Mohun, Meredith, and Macartney.
Key passages
“Parting and forgetting! What faithful heart can do these? Our great thoughts, our great affections, the Truths of our life, never leave us.”
True love and deep convictions are indelible; they remain with a person forever, inseparable from their very soul.
Esmond reflects on the permanence of his feelings for Beatrix, comparing them to a physical scar from battle.
“The world was going to its business again, although dukes lay dead and ladies mourned for them; and kings, very likely, lost their chances.”
Life continues indifferently despite great tragedies and political upheavals; the daily routines of the city go on even as a duke lies dead and a king's prospects are ruined.
Esmond observes the contrast between the mundane bustle of London and the monumental loss of the Duke of Hamilton.
“She gave him a cold hand as she went out: 'Thank you, brother,' she said, in a low voice, and with a simplicity more touching than tears; 'all you have said is true and kind, and I will go away and ask pardon.'”
Lady Castlewood, though dry-eyed, responds to Esmond's comfort with a quiet dignity and humility that is more moving than any weeping; she accepts his words and resolves to seek forgiveness.
Lady Castlewood's restrained grief contrasts with Beatrix's earlier vanity and self-absorption.
