XIII explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Family Obligation and Sacrifice

  Nettie's internal struggle between her own happiness and her duty to her sister's family, culminating in the possibility of a final sacrifice.

• Duty vs. Personal Inclination

  Nettie's conflict between her sense of duty to care for Susan and the children and her personal desire for a life with Dr. Rider.

• Gender Roles and Independence

  Nettie's assertive independence is challenged by societal expectations and her sister's dependence, highlighting the limited agency of women.

Characters to notice

• Nettie Underwood

  Struggles with the burden of caring for her sister's family and the pressure to return to Australia, while grappling with her own sacrifice and feelings for Dr. Rider.

• Susan Rider

  Persistently pushes for a return to Australia, using her grief and the children to manipulate Nettie, and confides in Richard Chatham.

• Richard Chatham

  Arrives as a messenger from Australia, offers to help the family return, and sympathizes with Susan, viewing Nettie as arbitrary.

• Fred Rider

  Mentioned as deceased; his accident and imprudence are referenced by Susan and Chatham.

• Dr. Edward Rider

  Referenced indirectly; Nettie's longing for him and the barrier between them are central to her internal conflict.

Key passages

• “That doubtful complicated matter, most hard and difficult of mortal problems, pressed hard upon Nettie's mind and heart.”

  Nettie is deeply troubled by the complex moral dilemma of whether her sacrifice is truly right.

  Highlights Nettie's internal conflict about her duty and sacrifice.

• “What chance had the generous little heart, the hasty temper, the quick and vivacious spirit, against that unwearying, unreasoning pertinacity?”

  Nettie feels powerless against Susan's relentless persistence.

  Illustrates Nettie's sense of inevitability and frustration.