The Magnificent Ambersons · Chapter
II explained
This chapter details the early life and reputation of George Amberson Minafer, the spoiled only child of Isabel Amberson and Wilbur Minafer.
What happens
This chapter details the early life and reputation of George Amberson Minafer, the spoiled only child of Isabel Amberson and Wilbur Minafer. It recounts his arrogant behavior as a child, including his infamous confrontation with Reverend Malloch Smith, and the town's growing desire to see him get his comeuppance. The chapter also flashes back to Isabel's youth, her rejection of a charming but reckless suitor, and her marriage to the steady Wilbur Minafer, a decision that Mrs. Henry Franklin Foster predicts will result in a terribly spoiled child—a prophecy that proves accurate with George.
Themes in this chapter
Pride and Arrogance
George's arrogance is evident from childhood, as he dismisses adults as 'riffraff' and claims ownership of the town, embodying the pride of the Amberson family.
Love and Sacrifice
Isabel's choice to marry the steady Wilbur Minafer over a more exciting suitor is framed as a sacrifice of passion for security, with Mrs. Foster suggesting she could not love Wilbur.
Gossip and Reputation
The town's gossip about Isabel's engagement and George's behavior shapes public opinion, with Mrs. Foster's predictions becoming a topic of discussion.
Characters to notice
- George Amberson Minafer
Depicted as a princely terror at age nine, known for his arrogance, fighting, and infamous encounter with Reverend Malloch Smith. The town yearns for his comeuppance.
- Isabel Amberson
Recalled in her youth as a beautiful woman whose looks captivated others. She rejects a sparkling suitor after a serenade incident and marries the persistent Wilbur Minafer.
- Wilbur Minafer
The steady, persistent suitor who wins Isabel's hand. Described as a good churchgoer and steady businessman, he takes her on a careful wedding trip.
- Major Amberson
Isabel's father and George's grandfather. He gives a colossal wedding present (architect's designs for a house) and later gives George a pony for his ninth birthday.
- Mrs. Henry Franklin Foster
The town's literary authority who predicts that Isabel's marriage to Wilbur will produce a terribly spoiled child. Her prophecy proves accurate with George.
Key passages
““Oh, go hire a hall!””
George dismisses the adults watching him play by telling them to find somewhere else to be.
Illustrates George's early arrogance and lack of respect for adults.
““Riffraff!””
George calls people he disapproves of 'riffraff,' a term he uses even at his grandmother's funeral.
Shows George's contempt for those he considers beneath him.
““By golly, I guess you think you own this town!””
A labourer accuses George of acting like he owns the town after George rides his pony through a pile of sand.
Highlights the town's resentment of George's entitled behavior.
““I will when I grow up,” the undisturbed child replied. “I guess my grandpa owns it now, you bet!””
George calmly tells the labourer that he will own the town when he grows up, since his grandfather already does.
Demonstrates George's sense of entitlement and family pride.
““She couldn’t love Wilbur, could she? ... Well, it will all go to her children, and she’ll ruin ’em!””
Mrs. Foster argues that since Isabel cannot love Wilbur, her affection will be lavished on her children, spoiling them completely.
Foreshadows George's spoiled nature as a result of his mother's misplaced love.
