The Rainbow · Chapter
III: Childhood of Anna Lensky explained
This chapter focuses on Anna Lensky's childhood after the birth of her half-brother.
What happens
This chapter focuses on Anna Lensky's childhood after the birth of her half-brother. Tom Brangwen's love for his stepchild Anna surpasses his affection for his own son. As Anna grows, she becomes independent and forms a close bond with Brangwen, accompanying him on trips to market and the town of Derby. She is a spirited, domineering child who enjoys her father's attention and the freedom of their outings. The chapter also touches on Tom's internal struggle with his wife Lydia's diminished vitality and his need to find other outlets for his energy, including his relationship with Anna.
Themes in this chapter
Self-Discovery and Growth
Anna's childhood is a period of self-discovery as she becomes independent from her mother, forms her own identity, and develops a strong-willed, domineering personality through her adventures with Tom Brangwen.
Gender Roles and Identity
The chapter explores gender roles through Tom Brangwen's struggle with his masculine desire for passion and control, contrasted with Lydia's passive, maternal role. Anna's assertive behavior challenges traditional expectations for girls.
Characters to notice
- Anna Brangwen
Anna is the central focus of the chapter, depicted as a spirited, independent child who forms a close bond with her stepfather Tom Brangwen. She enjoys accompanying him on trips and displays a haughty, domineering personality.
- Tom Brangwen
Tom Brangwen loves his stepchild Anna more than his own son. He struggles with his wife Lydia's lowered vitality and seeks fulfillment through his relationship with Anna and other activities like drinking and socializing with men.
- Lydia Brangwen
Lydia is depicted as serene but shadowy after the birth of her son, with lowered vitality. She is absorbed in nursing the baby and seems transplanted, becoming more English but less robust in her passion.
- Tilly
Tilly is the servant who disapproves of the rowdy play between Anna and Tom Brangwen, expressing her displeasure at their noise.
Key passages
“Tom Brangwen never loved his own son as he loved his stepchild Anna.”
Tom Brangwen's affection for his stepdaughter Anna was greater than his love for his biological son.
Highlights the unique bond between Tom and Anna, central to the chapter.
“She became an independent, forgetful little soul, loving from her own centre.”
Anna grew into a self-reliant child who loved freely from her own heart.
Describes Anna's emotional liberation after her mother's attention shifts to the new baby.
“She was like a little savage in her arrogance.”
Anna displayed a wild, proud confidence in her demeanor.
Illustrates Anna's domineering and spirited nature.