The Story of Ivy · Chapter
IV explained
Ivy and Rushworth share a private dinner on his yacht in Dieppe harbour, culminating in a passionate but restrained confession of love.
What happens
Ivy and Rushworth share a private dinner on his yacht in Dieppe harbour, culminating in a passionate but restrained confession of love. Rushworth reveals a promise to his dying father never to love a married woman, and decides to leave for South Africa with his ill sister to honor that vow, despite their mutual feelings.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Obsession
Rushworth's intense, self-proclaimed 'madly in love' passion for Ivy, coupled with his struggle to maintain control, exemplifies obsessive love.
Marriage and Infidelity
The central conflict revolves around Rushworth's love for a married woman and his promise to avoid such entanglements, highlighting the tension between desire and marital vows.
Deception and Self-Deception
Ivy's manipulative responses and Rushworth's rationalization of his passion as 'exalted and spiritual' reveal layers of self-deception.
Characters to notice
- Ivy Lexton
Dines privately with Rushworth, responds to his passion, and tearfully protests his decision to leave.
- Miles Rushworth
Confesses his love for Ivy, reveals his father's promise, and resolves to go to South Africa with his sister to avoid temptation.
- Jervis Lexton
Mentioned as Ivy's husband, noted for his lack of punctuality and being a 'poor fool'.
- Bella Dale
Referred to as Rushworth's intended wife and 'dear, dear friend', contrasted with his love for Ivy.
Key passages
“He had been waiting for her—he would have been ashamed to acknowledge to himself for how long, though he knew that she was never late.”
Rushworth had been eagerly awaiting Ivy's arrival, though he would not admit how long he had waited, knowing she was always punctual.
Highlights Rushworth's anticipation and Ivy's virtue of punctuality.
“Ivy’s hand lay on the table. She looked at it—her fingers were twitching. She felt, with joy and triumph, the tenseness of the atmosphere between them, and, for the first time, something in her responded to Rushworth’s still voiceless passion.”
Ivy observed her own twitching fingers and felt a joyful triumph at the charged atmosphere, sensing for the first time a reciprocal response to Rushworth's unspoken passion.
Reveals Ivy's awareness and enjoyment of the romantic tension.
“But I’m going to keep my love for you sacred, and I’m going not only to save myself, but I’m going to save you, my darling, darling love.”
Rushworth declares he will preserve his love as pure and will protect both himself and Ivy from the consequences of their passion.
Shows Rushworth's moral resolve and his paternalistic view of protecting Ivy.