The Last Chronicle of Barset · Chapter
The Shattered Tree explained
John Eames visits Mrs.
What happens
John Eames visits Mrs. Arabin, who advises him that Lily Dale doubts his earnestness. He then meets his uncle Mr. Toogood, who recounts his triumph in clearing Mr. Crawley. Later, John goes to Lily Dale and proposes again, but she refuses, explaining that she is like a shattered tree—broken by her past love for Adolphus Crosbie and unable to be whole again. They part with affection but no engagement. Lily later tells Emily Dunstable that she is content with her decision, believing she has settled the matter forever.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
Lily Dale's refusal of John Eames's proposal highlights the tension between love and the institution of marriage, as she chooses to remain single despite her affection.
Pride and Humility
Lily's pride in her independence and her humility about her emotional scars are central to her decision to reject John.
Gossip and Public Opinion
Lily resents the pressure from friends and family who view her unmarried state as a failure, reflecting the power of public opinion in Victorian society.
Characters to notice
- Johnny Eames
Visits Mrs. Arabin for advice, then lunches with Mr. Toogood, and finally proposes to Lily Dale, only to be rejected again.
- Lily Dale
Refuses John Eames's proposal, explaining she is like a shattered tree; later tells Emily Dunstable she is content with her decision.
- Mrs. Arabin
Advises John Eames that Lily doubts his earnestness and arranges his final meeting with Lily.
- Thomas Toogood
Lunches with John Eames and recounts his success in clearing Mr. Crawley, including the story of Dan Stringer.
- Emily Dunstable
Lily Dale confides in her about her settled decision not to marry John Eames.
- Mrs. Thorne
Briefly encounters John Eames in the hall after his rejection, noting he was too upset to speak.
Key passages
“If you take a young tree and split it, it still lives, perhaps. But it isn’t a tree. It is only a fragment.”
Lily compares herself to a tree that has been split—still alive but broken, unable to be whole again.
Lily uses this metaphor to explain why she cannot marry John Eames, despite her love for him.
“I love him so well—with that intimate, close, familiar affection—that I could wash his clothes for him tomorrow, out of pure personal regard, and think it no shame.”
Lily tells Emily Dunstable that her love for John is deep and domestic, yet she still refuses to marry him.
This reveals the complexity of Lily's feelings—she loves John but cannot overcome her past trauma.
“I do feel that I have got the thing settled at last.”
Lily expresses relief that her decision to reject John is final and brings her peace.
Lily's sense of closure contrasts with the sadness of the rejection.