# VII: Success explained — The Old Wives’ Tale

> Chapter companion for The Old Wives’ Tale by Arnold Bennett.

## What happens

Sophia, now established in the Rue Bréda, finds the neighborhood unsuitable for her character and seeks a change. She purchases the Pension Frensham in the Rue Lord Byron, transforming it into a successful and respectable establishment. Over the years, she becomes a proficient landlady, amassing wealth and experience, while remaining emotionally detached from suitors and her past. The chapter concludes with a dramatic farewell to Chirac, who departs on a balloon mission, leaving Sophia reflective on romance and her own life.

## Themes in this chapter

### Female Identity and Independence

Sophia builds a successful business and life on her own terms, yet struggles with emotional isolation and the loss of personal identity.

### Social Class and Respectability

Sophia's obsession with respectability drives her to create a flawless pension, distancing herself from the impropriety of the Rue Bréda.

### Change and Modernity

The transformation of Paris and Sophia's adaptation to new circumstances, from the war-torn city to a thriving tourist destination.

## Character check-ins

### Sophia Baines

Proprietress of the Pension Frensham, reflecting on her success and emotional isolation.

### Monsieur Chirac

Departs on a balloon mission, expressing romantic devotion to Sophia.

### M. Carlier

Accompanies Sophia to Chirac's departure, part of the prearranged farewell.

### Gerald Scales

Mentioned as the source of the two hundred pounds Sophia used to build her fortune.

### Madame Foucault

Her furniture, once despised, is now part of Sophia's successful pension.

### Mrs. Frensham

Former owner of the pension, sold to Sophia after financial difficulties.

## Key lines

> She grew to be seriously convinced that no pension as good as hers existed in the world, or ever had existed, or ever could exist. Hers was the acme of niceness and respectability.

Sophia became utterly convinced that her pension was the best ever, the pinnacle of propriety and quality.

_Highlights Sophia's pride and the central role of respectability in her life._

> She could not be startled and she could not be swindled. Years passed, until there was a vista of years behind her.

Sophia became unshockable and immune to deceit, and many years slipped by.

_Emphasizes her hardened, experienced nature and the passage of time._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_old_wives_tale_se/chapters/vii-success
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_old_wives_tale_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_old_wives_tale_se/chapters