The Perennial Bachelor · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for The Perennial Bachelor by Anne Parrish.
Chapter 1
Dedication
The book is dedicated to Frances Brincklerbee.
Chapter 2
The Perennial Bachelor
This chapter explores the life of Frances Brincklerbee, a perpetual bachelor who observes the world around him with a mixture of detachment and longing. Through his interactions with various characters, the chapter reflects on themes of loneliness, the passage of time, and the choices that define a life.
Chapter 3
I
The chapter opens on a happy morning in the Campion household as Maggie Campion wakes to the realization that it is Papa's birthday and he is returning from New York. The narrative introduces Maggie, a ten-year-old tomboy, her sister May, a beauty, and baby Lily. The family prepares for Papa's arrival, with the girls spending the morning in the kitchen. Mamma Campion, pregnant again, rests and reflects on her marriage and the loss of several infants. Cousin Lizzie Blow visits, and their conversation reveals Lizzie's unrequited love for Victor and the family's dynamics, including Aunt Priscilla's eccentricities. The chapter establishes the family's social standing and the anticipation of Papa's return.
Chapter 4
II
Victor Campion, a wealthy Harvard graduate, visits his classmate Henry Southmayd and meets Henry's sister Margaret. He is charmed by her traditional femininity, contrasting with the modern 'bloomer' movement. They marry, and Margaret moves to 'The Maples' in Delaware. The chapter details their married life: Margaret's domesticity and love of pretty things, her inability to share Victor's active pursuits, and her prayers for a son. Victor tries to improve her mind but gives up, and their relationship settles into a pattern of affectionate but unequal companionship.
Chapter 5
III
Papa returns home on his birthday, and the family celebrates with presents, music, and a new horse. The joy turns to tragedy when Papa is thrown from the mare and dies, just as his son is born.
Chapter 6
IV
The chapter focuses on baby Victor's early months after his father's death, with the family adjusting to his presence. Mamma resists financial advice from Uncle Willie, insisting on maintaining their lifestyle. The girls, especially Maggie and May, dote on the baby, while various explanations for his arrival are offered. The chapter highlights the family's devotion to Victor as the new center of their world.
Chapter 7
V
The chapter covers Victor's first summer and the family's life at The Maples, including the Civil War's distant impact, Aunt Priscilla's encounter with Cousin Lizzie's spiritualism, and the family's gradual adjustment to Papa's absence.
Chapter 8
VI
The chapter depicts the Campion children's Sunday routine, including Sunday school and church, their boredom and private diversions, and the contrast with the joyful freedom of Monday morning play. It highlights the children's imaginative games, their relationships, and the social interactions of the adults after church.
Chapter 9
VII
The Campions continue their gradual decline from wealth to mere comfort, with Mamma making small extravagances while trying to save. Victor, now of school age, is sent to Mr. Page's school at the Rectory. On his first day, he is overwhelmed by the other boys' teasing and his own shyness, and he runs away from school back home, unable to cope with the new world outside his family's protective circle.
Chapter 10
VIII
The chapter describes the passage of time as the Campion children grow up. Maggie, Lily, and May are now young ladies, attending parties, dances, and social events. The narrative highlights their preparations, the social dynamics of the time, and the family's interactions with Mr. Lacey. It also depicts seasonal activities like skating, Lent, Easter, and summer picnics, showing the joys and constraints of their youth.
Chapter 11
IX
The chapter depicts a Christmas celebration at the Campion home, beginning with the family gathering greens and decorating the church, followed by the joy of the Christmas tree and presents. The afternoon is marked by Mr. Lacey's visit, bringing a pug dog as a gift for Mamma, engaging in playful banter, and discussing topics like Darwinism and women's rights. Victor, however, feels uncomfortable with Mr. Lacey's teasing and longs for the day to end so the Christmas candles can be lit.
Chapter 12
X
Mamma contemplates Mr. Lacey's proposal, dreaming of a life of comfort and romance, while her daughters May and Lily discuss the possibility of their mother's remarriage, and Victor hides in the parlor after a day of fishing.
Chapter 13
XI
Mamma prepares for Mr. Lacey's visit, feeling nervous and dressed in her finest. The visit is awkward, with strained conversation, but Mr. Lacey proposes and Mamma accepts. Victor, however, is deeply distressed by the news, throwing a tantrum and refusing to accept Mr. Lacey as his new father. Mamma, torn between her love for Victor and her decision, ultimately promises to break off the engagement. The next morning, she sends a note to Mr. Lacey, ending the relationship, and never sees him again.
Chapter 14
XII
The chapter describes a Tennyson Tableaux fundraiser for the Sunday school melodeon, where May plays the Lady of Shalott and catches the eye of Edward Post, who plays Sir Lancelot. After the performance, May is excited about Edward's attention, but her family's teasing and her own anxiety about appearing too eager cause tension. The chapter also highlights Aunt Priscilla's recurring role as Mother Hubbard and the community's gentle mockery of her, while Mamma reflects on a past summer night.
Chapter 15
XIII
Edward Post arrives at the Campion house on a Saturday afternoon, charming the family despite his clumsy bicycle entrance. The day is filled with archery, cherries, and conversation, where Mamma repeatedly mistakes Edward's name. The summer unfolds with bathing, crabbing, and a memorable Fourth of July celebration with fireworks. Maggie and Edward grow closer, sharing quiet moments and a mutual attraction, while May, feeling overlooked, turns her attention to a new young man, Ralph Wither.
Chapter 16
XIV
The chapter depicts the Campion family's financial strain as they reduce staff, with Mamma and Maggie doing more household work. Amidst this, Maggie and Edward's engagement is announced, bringing joy and excitement to the family, though Mamma worries about the late hours and the impending separation. The community reacts with mixed feelings, and the chapter captures the bittersweet nature of love and change.
Chapter 17
XV
Mamma falls gravely ill after eating a dish prepared by Aunt Priscilla, and the family gathers as she suffers for three days. Maggie cares for her, while Victor hides in the wagon-shed with his puppy Bundle. Mamma makes Maggie promise to always take care of Victor, and she dies at dawn. The chapter also includes a flashback to a lunch at Aunt Priscilla's, where Mamma enjoys herself, and a dreamlike sequence of Mamma walking home and peacefully passing away.
Chapter 18
XVI
Maggie prepares for Edward's visit, bustling about the house with nervous energy. When he arrives, their reunion is awkward and strained, the longed-for moment falling flat. However, Edward brings tremendous news: he has been sent to South America and they can be married right away. Maggie is torn between her love for Edward and her duty to her family, especially Victor, who needs her. The chapter explores her internal conflict as she faces a choice between her own happiness and her responsibilities at home.
Chapter 19
XVII
At a Ladies' Guild meeting, Mrs. Leaf serves tea and bread and butter instead of the usual coffee and cake, disappointing the ladies. The guest, Mrs. Hawthorn from New York, is charming but condescending. May (Maggie) is deeply resentful, feeling that she and her sisters sacrifice everything for Victor's education. Victor, now at Harvard, experiences homesickness and loneliness but eventually makes friends and enjoys college life.
Chapter 20
XVIII
Victor returns home from Harvard and meets Lucy Hawthorn at the Leafs' house. He is immediately smitten and spends the day with her, while his sisters prepare for her visit. The chapter captures Victor's nervous excitement and his decision to stay home to care for his sisters and the estate, which impresses Lucy.
Chapter 21
XIX
Victor prepares to go to New York for Lucy Hawthorn's ball, a significant event for the family. Maggie, while outwardly practical, harbors a romantic fantasy about the ball, but sacrifices her own desires for Victor's sake. She insists he bring lilies-of-the-valley to Lucy, a gesture that leads to an awkward visit at the Hawthorn's grand home. Victor feels out of place and homesick at the ball, and returns home the day after, much to his family's surprise and delight.
Chapter 22
XX
Victor's love for Lucy deepens as she visits the Leafs, and he writes her a passionate letter confessing his feelings before she departs for Europe. Lucy's responses are affectionate but initially hesitant, then become more loving and playful as she travels, describing her adventures and encounters with other suitors, while Victor remains devoted.
Chapter 23
XXI
Victor works in a real estate office, dreaming of Lucy while she travels through Europe. Her letters alternately lift and crush his spirits, mentioning a charming Mr. Duncan. After two years, Lucy writes to break their engagement, announcing her betrothal to a French count. Victor is devastated, and Maggie comforts him, blaming Lucy's mother and urging him not to let love turn to bitterness.
Chapter 24
XXII
Maggie feels an unexpected surge of springtime joy and high spirits, bursting with energy and a desire for fun. She prepares for a wedding in Wilmington with her sisters May and Lily, who struggle with their too-tight dresses and elaborate bustles. The sisters travel to the wedding, enjoy the ceremony and reception, but Maggie's gaiety fades when she sees Edward with another woman, realizing she must finally let go of her long-held hope for him.
Chapter 25
XXIII
Maggie reflects on turning forty-one, feeling both young and old, while the Campions struggle financially. They earn extra money through crafts and music lessons. Lily, deeply religious and romantic, tries to attract Mr. Marshall's attention but is disappointed. May attends a ball and dances repeatedly with a mysterious A. J., hinting at a new romance.
Chapter 26
XXIV
Aunt Priscilla visits, bringing magazines and sharing her grief over Uncle Willie. Maggie dyes old clothes while discussing May's new beau, Wadsworth Robinson, and Victor's lingering feelings for Lucy Hawthorn. Daisy Blow, Sam Blow's young bride, arrives ostentatiously, overwhelming the household with her fashionable but flashy presence. She later helps prepare for Victor's party, imposing her pink and silver aesthetic over the sisters' simpler decorations. Victor, charmed by Daisy, begins spending time with her, teaching her to bicycle and being taught to cook Welsh rarebits, while his sisters plan a party in his honor.
Chapter 27
XXV
May anticipates a proposal from Mr. Robinson, but her sisters' teasing and her own conflicted feelings lead to a breakdown. The chapter also covers Daisy's departure after her father's death, the Spanish-American War's distant impact, and May's fabricated story about Captain Allen Jermayne.
Chapter 28
XXVI
Maggie reflects on aging as she prepares Victor's birthday cake. The sisters visit Mrs. Detweiler, enjoying her phonograph but feeling out of place. Victor becomes socially popular, attending events and collecting dance cards. Financial strain forces the family to take in boarders, including the Hoppers, Mrs. Mittendorf, Mr. Neff, and Miss Snaith, disrupting their home life.
Chapter 29
XXVII
Victor participates in a rehearsal for the 'Bachelor's Revery' pageant, while Maggie receives news of May's suicide. The chapter then shifts to the aftermath, with Miss Snaith and Miss Hopper's attempts at courtship, the departure of boarders, and May's unrequited feelings for a plumber, leading to her emotional outburst and accusations against her family.
Chapter 30
XXVIII
Maggie and Lily sort through old belongings at The Maples, reminiscing about autograph book entries and songs. They move to a new, plainer house, while The Maples is remodeled by the Spears. Lily secretly attends the Spears' housewarming, feeling out of place and saddened by the changes, especially in the room where she and her sisters once slept.
Chapter 31
XXIX
In this chapter, Fannie Page reflects on the Campion family's decline and Victor's selfishness, while Victor enjoys a peaceful Sunday morning at home with his sister Maggie, feeling rejuvenated by their love and care.
Chapter 32
The Diagnosis
During World War I, Maggie longs to serve but is confined to knitting and domestic duties. She experiences recurring pain and finally visits Dr. Henderson, who diagnoses her with inoperable cancer. On Communion Sunday, she experiences a profound spiritual crisis and finds solace in her faith, accepting her mortality through the symbolism of the Eucharist.
Chapter 33
XXXI
Maggie, now ill and bedridden, makes a final visit to The Maples to say goodbye before it is sold. She finds the house changed and feels alienated, but the beech tree brings a moment of solace. Back home, she prepares for her death, reflecting on her life and the love she has for her family.
Chapter 34
XXXII
Lily, alone in the house, makes candy for Victor and discovers in the society pages that Lucy Hawthorn has returned to New York as the Countess de la Villeblanche. Victor, upon learning this, writes to Lucy and travels to New York to see her, but finds her transformed into a stout, aging woman surrounded by family and luxury. He returns home, disappointed, reflecting on how she has aged.
Chapter 35
XXXIII
Lily reflects on aging with contentment, finding joy in small pleasures like market days, movies, and church. Victor, however, desperately fights aging through exercise and cold plunges, but his efforts fade. He visits Dorothy Spear's house party, where he is turned away, and walks home to Lily, who watches for him.
