The Perennial Bachelor · Chapter
XII explained
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.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Unfulfilled Love and Marriage
May's romantic hopes are tied to Edward Post, but his teasing and her family's interference hint at future disappointment.
Motherhood and Control
Mamma tries to arrange a treat for May's guest, but May's rejection of her efforts shows the tension between maternal care and a daughter's independence.
Social Class and Decline
The community's modest fundraising and Aunt Priscilla's reused costumes reflect a genteel poverty and the effort to maintain appearances.
Characters to notice
- Maggie Campion
Drives the carriage home, helps Aunt Priscilla find her slippers, and scolds May for being rude to Mamma.
- Victor Campion
Teases May about having a beau, chanting 'May's got a beau' and causing her to cry.
- Mamma Campion
Sits in the audience, reflects on a past summer night, and tries to plan a treat for May's archery guest, but is hurt by May's reaction.
- Lily Campion
Falls asleep in the carriage on the way home; earlier, she wept unrestrainedly at May's beauty in the tableau.
- Maggie Campion
Plays the Lady of Shalott, is admired by Edward Post, and becomes excited about his attention, but is also anxious and tearful.
- Edward Post
Plays Sir Lancelot in the tableau, flirts with May, and plans to visit for archery on Saturday.
Key passages
“May’s got a beau Oh, oh, oh!” “Mamma! Make him stop ! He thinks he’s so funny!” May wailed, and burst into a storm of tears.”
Victor teases May about having a suitor, and she cries, begging Mamma to make him stop.
Highlights May's sensitivity and the family's teasing dynamic.
““What were you thinking about while our tableau was going on?” “About a fly that was tickling my nose. What were you?” “I shan’t tell you.” (A fly, indeed!)”
Edward asks May what she was thinking during the tableau, but she deflects with a trivial answer, while he internally scoffs at her evasion.
Shows the flirtatious yet guarded exchange between May and Edward.