The Prime Minister · Chapter
Never Run Away! explained
The chapter explores the fallout from Emily Wharton's rejection of Arthur Fletcher, as the Fletcher and Wharton families grapple with her apparent preference for Ferdinand Lopez.
What happens
The chapter explores the fallout from Emily Wharton's rejection of Arthur Fletcher, as the Fletcher and Wharton families grapple with her apparent preference for Ferdinand Lopez. Arthur's brother John chides him for his despondency, while the elder women of the family express indignation and dismay at Emily's perversity and her attraction to a foreigner of questionable background.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Identity
The Fletchers and Whartons view themselves as a 'peculiar people' with duties to marry within their social pale, and Lopez is condemned as an outsider unworthy of Emily.
Marriage and Courtship
Emily's refusal of Arthur Fletcher disrupts family expectations, highlighting the tension between personal choice and familial duty in marriage.
Reputation and Scandal
The families fear the disgrace of Emily marrying a foreigner of low birth, which would damage the Wharton and Fletcher reputations.
Characters to notice
- Arthur Fletcher
Arthur is heartbroken over Emily's rejection and contemplates abandoning his legal career to travel the world. His brother John chides him for his despondency.
- John Fletcher
John, Arthur's elder brother, tries to reason with Arthur through chaff and logic, and later discusses the situation with his wife, expressing contempt for Lopez.
- Emily Lopez
Emily is the subject of family discussion; she is seen as perverse and stubborn for rejecting Arthur and favoring Lopez, though she remains silent and unhappy.
- Ferdinand Lopez
Lopez is referred to as a 'greasy, black foreigner' and a 'Portuguese adventurer' by the Fletchers, who view him as beneath the Wharton family.
- Mary Wharton
Mary is present at Wharton and is surprised by Emily's obstinacy, regarding Arthur as a demigod who should never be refused.
- Abel Wharton
Mr. Wharton is aware of Emily's preference for Lopez and shares the family's dismay, though he is not directly featured in this chapter's dialogue.
Key passages
“I don't think Emily will do anything disgraceful”
Lady Wharton defends Emily, saying she believes Emily will not bring shame upon the family.
Lady Wharton shows a more forgiving attitude toward Emily's choices, in contrast to Mrs. Fletcher's harsh judgment.
“He's too clever, too cosmopolitan—a sort of man whitewashed of all prejudices, who wouldn't mind whether he ate horseflesh or beef if horseflesh were as good as beef, and never had an association in his life.”
John Fletcher describes Lopez as a rootless, adaptable man without loyalty to any tradition or class.
This critique reflects the Victorian suspicion of cosmopolitanism and the value placed on stable, inherited social ties.
“Fancy a girl like Emily Wharton throwing over a fellow like Arthur for a greasy, black foreigner.”
John Fletcher expresses incredulity that Emily would reject a man of Arthur's standing for a foreigner of low character.
The remark underscores the racial and class prejudices that shape the family's reaction to Emily's choice.