# XXVII explained — The Perennial Bachelor

> Chapter companion for The Perennial Bachelor by Anne Parrish.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Isolation and Loneliness

Miss Snaith and Miss Hopper's attempts to find connection through Teddy bears and courtship highlight their isolation.

### Unfulfilled Love and Marriage

May's unrequited feelings for the plumber and her accusations about Victor preventing marriages underscore this theme.

### Family Sacrifice and Duty

Maggie's care for May and the family's burden after May's suicide reflect the theme of familial duty.

## Character check-ins

### Victor Campion

Rehearses for the 'Bachelor's Revery' and returns home to learn of May's suicide.

### Maggie Campion

Informs Victor of May's death and reflects on May's life.

### May

Drowns herself in the bathtub; later remembered as 'Lady of Shalott'.

### Miss Snaith

One of the remaining boarders; harbors feelings for Victor and considers sending a valentine.

### Lily Campion

Mentioned as selfish and deceitful by Mrs. Mittendorf.

## Key lines

> May—May's drowned herself—in the bathtub—

May has committed suicide by drowning in the bathtub.

_Victor learns of May's death upon returning home._

> She eloped with a plumber!

She ran away with a plumber.

_Imagined gossip about May's fate, contrasting with her actual suicide._

> He's been and gone. He's finished the job—isn't that nice?

The plumber has already come and left, completing his work.

_Maggie tells May the plumber has finished, leading to May's distress._

## Links

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