The Last Chronicle of Barset · Chapter
Jael explained
Mrs.
What happens
Mrs. Dobbs Broughton and Conway Dalrymple discuss his potential marriage to Clara Van Siever, while the three conspirators begin planning a painting of Jael in Mrs. Broughton's house, keeping it secret from Mr. Dobbs Broughton and Mrs. Van Siever.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
Mrs. Broughton advises Conway Dalrymple to marry Clara Van Siever, while reflecting on her own dull marriage and flirtatious behavior.
Gossip and Public Opinion
The secret painting scheme involves deception and concealment from husbands and mothers, highlighting the role of secrecy and social perception.
Characters to notice
- Mrs. Dobbs Broughton
Engages in flirtatious banter with Conway Dalrymple, advises him to marry Clara Van Siever, and eagerly participates in the secret painting scheme.
- Conway Dalrymple
Flattered by Mrs. Broughton's attention, considers marrying Clara Van Siever, and agrees to paint Jael in her house.
- Clara Van Siever
Agrees to sit as Jael for the painting, openly deceives her mother about it, and shows independence and a temper.
- Johnny Eames
Mentioned as a possible model for Sisera in the painting.
Key passages
“If it had come to be the lot of Mrs. Dobbs Broughton to have six hours’ work to do every day of her life, I think that the work would have been done badly, but that it would have kept her free from all danger.”
If Mrs. Dobbs Broughton had been forced to work six hours daily, she would have done it poorly, but it would have saved her from risky flirtations.
The narrator reflects on how idleness leads Mrs. Broughton into dangerous romantic games.
“Mrs. Dobbs Broughton was no more in love with Conway Dalrymple than she was in love with King Charles on horseback at Charing Cross.”
Mrs. Dobbs Broughton felt no genuine love for Conway Dalrymple, just as she felt none for a statue.
The narrator clarifies that her flirtation is insincere and based on boredom, not real affection.