# II explained — The Perennial Bachelor

> Chapter companion for The Perennial Bachelor by Anne Parrish.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_perennial_bachelor_se/chapters/ii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_perennial_bachelor_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_perennial_bachelor_se/chapters