Doctor Crofts Is Called In explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Family and Obligation

  Mrs. Dale struggles with her duty to her daughters versus her pride and independence from the squire's control.

• Poverty and Economic Pressure

  The Dales face a significant drop in social status and comfort by moving to Guestwick, highlighting economic constraints.

• Pride and Prejudice

  Mrs. Dale's pride prevents her from accepting the squire's charity, and the family fears social condescension from others.

Characters to notice

• Mrs. Dale

  Decides to leave the Small House and informs the squire, feeling guilt and sadness over the move.

• Christopher Dale

  The squire is shocked and hurt by Mrs. Dale's decision to leave, unable to understand her reasons.

• Isabella Dale

  Bell supports the move and is opposed to her uncle's interference, especially regarding marriage.

• Lilian Dale

  Lily shows resilience and supports the decision to leave, though still grieving her broken engagement.

• Dr. Crofts

  Called in to attend to the maid Jane, suspected of having scarlatina.

Key passages

• “I shall break my heart at parting with Hopkins; and as to him, I shall be disappointed in mankind if he ever holds his head up again after I am gone.”

  Lily jokes that leaving Hopkins will break her heart and that he will be devastated.

  Lily uses humor to mask her deeper sorrow about leaving Allington.

• “It will be very dreadful, but it will soon be over. It is not what he will say at the moment that I fear so much, as the bitter reproaches of his face when I shall meet him afterwards.”

  Mrs. Dale dreads the squire's silent disapproval more than his words.

  Mrs. Dale anticipates the emotional difficulty of telling the squire about the move.

• “Let us go at once, said Bell. It is much easier said than done, my dear.”

  Bell urges immediate action, but Mrs. Dale points out the practical difficulties.

  Bell's impatience contrasts with Mrs. Dale's caution about the move.