The Perpetual Curate · Chapter
Mr. Wentworth's Evening and Jack's Farewell explained
Frank Wentworth declines Mrs.
What happens
Frank Wentworth declines Mrs. Morgan's invitation and dines with his aunts, where Jack Wentworth, the prodigal, openly criticizes the family's hypocrisy in rewarding wickedness over virtue. Jack announces his departure, and the Squire makes an emotional appeal for justice to his daughters and children. Later, Frank visits Lucy Wodehouse and argues against self-sacrifice, leading to a spirited exchange about their future together, with Miss Wodehouse intervening on prudential grounds.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy and Moral Judgment
Jack exposes the family's double standard: rewarding wickedness while neglecting Frank's virtue.
Family Duty and Loyalty
The Squire's emotional appeal to Jack highlights conflicting duties within the Wentworth family.
Love and Marriage
Frank and Lucy's debate over waiting versus immediate happiness frames their relationship against practical and moral considerations.
Characters to notice
- Frank Wentworth
Declines Mrs. Morgan's invitation, dines with his aunts, and later visits Lucy to argue against waiting and self-sacrifice.
- Jack Wentworth
Shows a new light as the relapsed prodigal, criticizes family hypocrisy, and prepares to leave after a tense farewell with his father.
- Leonora Wentworth
Agitated by Jack's accusations, defends her views on Church patronage but fails to silence him.
- Dora Wentworth
Bewildered by Jack's speech, expresses hope he will not return to bad courses.
- Gerald Wentworth
Present at dinner, receives a comic glance from Jack but makes no response.
- Lucy Wodehouse
Engages in a spirited argument with Frank about waiting and self-sacrifice, asserting her own authority in their relationship.
Key passages
“The man who gets his own way is the man who takes it.”
Those who assert themselves achieve their desires.
Jack's cynical maxim, later echoed by Frank in his argument with Lucy.
“I have a great respect for himself, but I have no confidence in his principles.”
I respect Frank personally but distrust his beliefs.
Leonora's justification for withholding patronage from Frank.
“I don't see why it must be best to deny myself and postpone myself to other things and other people.”
I see no reason why self-denial and delay should be considered virtuous.
Frank's rejection of ascetic principles in favor of immediate happiness with Lucy.