The Perennial Bachelor · Chapter
II explained
Victor Campion, a wealthy Harvard graduate, visits his classmate Henry Southmayd and meets Henry's sister Margaret.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Gender Roles and Limitations
Margaret's traditional femininity is contrasted with the 'bloomer' movement, and her domesticity is both valued and limiting.
Unfulfilled Love and Marriage
Margaret loves Victor but cannot share his passions; Victor loves Margaret but gives up trying to connect intellectually.
Motherhood and Control
Margaret's prayers focus on having a son, and her identity is tied to domestic and maternal roles.
Characters to notice
- Victor Campion
A wealthy Harvard graduate who marries Margaret Southmayd. He is loving but gives up trying to improve her mind or share his active interests.
- Margaret Southmayd
A traditional, domestic woman who loves her husband and her new home but is unable to join in his pleasures. She prays for a son.
- Lizzie Blow
Margaret's sister-in-law, who advises her to join in Victor's pleasures or risk losing him.
- Willie Campion
Victor's brother, who joins him in hunting and other activities.
- Sam Blow
A friend of Victor's who joins in his outdoor pursuits.
Key passages
“She no more wanted equal rights than did the rose, sweet and cool in its broad fresh leaves at her belt.”
Margaret was completely content with traditional gender roles and had no desire for women's rights.
Highlights Margaret's traditionalism.
“It seemed to him so touching that she should want to please him that he could have fallen at her feet to worship her.”
Victor was deeply moved by Margaret's desire to please him, even though she didn't understand his interests.
Shows Victor's adoration and the imbalance in their relationship.