The Cotillion and the Sleighbell explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Pride and Arrogance

  George's initial haughty treatment of Lucy and his studied indifference reflect his pride and sense of superiority.

• Love and Sacrifice

  Lucy's persistent efforts to dance with George despite his coldness suggest a budding affection and willingness to bridge the gap.

• Gossip and Reputation

  Fanny's comments about George's behavior and her calculations about Eugene hint at the social scrutiny and reputation management within the family.

Characters to notice

• George Amberson Minafer

  Initially snubs Lucy at the cotillion, but is repeatedly favored by her and begins to soften; dances with her and experiences a catch in the throat.

• Lucy Morgan

  Persistently seeks out George during the cotillion, offering him favors and dancing with him; her actions lead to a tentative reconciliation.

• Isabel Amberson

  Watches George and Lucy dance with pride and happiness; defends George's amiability to Fanny.

• Fanny Minafer

  Sits with Isabel, comments on George's pecking at Lucy, and watches Eugene Morgan with a hopeful calculation.

• Eugene Morgan

  Socializes with Isabel, Fanny, and Amelia at the cotillion; dances with Isabel later.

• Fred Kinney

  Leads the cotillion as the first couple with Lucy, to George's displeasure.

Key passages

• “The Honourable George Amberson was a congressman who led cotillions—the sort of congressman an Amberson would be.”

  Congressman George Amberson, true to the Amberson style, was both a politician and a dance leader.

  Highlights the social role of the Amberson family.

• “It was annoying how her voice, though never loud, pursued him. No matter how vociferous were other voices, all about, he seemed unable to prevent himself from constantly recognizing hers.”

  George found it irritating that Lucy's quiet voice stood out to him above all the noise.

  Shows George's growing, albeit reluctant, awareness of Lucy.

• “Four times, with not the slightest encouragement, she brought him a favour: four times in succession.”

  Lucy gave George a dance favor four times in a row, even though he gave her no encouragement.

  Demonstrates Lucy's determination and George's confusion.

• “Bloom does actually come upon these mothers; it is a visible thing; and they run like girls, walk like athletes, laugh like sycophants.”

  Mothers of sons home from college seem to blossom, becoming energetic and joyful.

  Describes the rejuvenating effect of a son's return on mothers like Isabel.