The Perennial Bachelor · Chapter
XIX explained
Victor prepares to go to New York for Lucy Hawthorn's ball, a significant event for the family.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Family Sacrifice and Duty
Maggie's entire focus is on Victor's happiness, sacrificing her own desires and resources for his opportunity.
Social Class and Decline
Victor's discomfort at the Hawthorn's home and his inability to navigate the fancy restaurant menu highlight the Campion family's social decline.
Unfulfilled Love and Marriage
May's brief fantasy of a romantic encounter at the ball underscores her unfulfilled longing for love and a different life.
Characters to notice
- Maggie Campion
Sacrifices her own dreams of the ball for Victor, preparing his clothes and insisting he bring flowers to Lucy. She is deeply sentimental, pausing for the lilies-of-the-valley.
- Victor Campion
Embarrassed by his family's provincial gestures, he feels out of place in New York and at the Hawthorn's grand home. He returns home early, seeking the comfort of his family.
- Lucy Hawthorn
Shows a moment of genuine feeling for Victor, but is ultimately controlled by her mother and the social demands of her ball.
- Mrs. Hawthorn
Dismissive of Victor, viewing him as an inconvenience. She is preoccupied with the details of the ball and her social standing.
- Lily Campion
Displays the family's social aspirations by leaving the invitation on the hall table, but is also part of the welcoming, curious group when Victor returns.
- May Campion
Briefly fantasizes about attending the ball, but is quickly brought back to reality by the family's financial constraints.
Key passages
“Maggie hung Victor’s dress-suit on the clothesline to get rid of the smell of camphor.”
Maggie prepared Victor's formal attire for his trip to New York.
This action shows Maggie's practical care for Victor's appearance.
“But, of course, she knew that they couldn’t afford it. They really couldn’t afford it for Victor, but for him they would manage somehow.”
Maggie acknowledged the family's financial limits but was determined to make Victor's trip possible.
This highlights the theme of family sacrifice.
“He was astonished to hear himself asking the butler, “Is Miss Hawthorn in?””
Victor surprised himself by deciding to ask for Lucy directly.
This shows Victor's internal conflict between his intentions and his actions.
““Heavens, will the goose never go?” thought Mrs. Hawthorn; and she let a moment pass before she answered: “Very warm.””
Mrs. Hawthorn was annoyed by Victor's presence and wished he would leave.
This reveals the social snobbery Victor faces.
“He had never felt so forlorn and homesick in his life.”
Victor felt extremely lonely and missed his home while at the ball.
This emphasizes his isolation in the high-society setting.
