The Story of Ivy · Chapter
Prologue explained
During a weekend party at the Hamptons' country house, the guests discuss Ivy Lexton's beauty, her financial extravagance, and her manipulative social climbing.
What happens
During a weekend party at the Hamptons' country house, the guests discuss Ivy Lexton's beauty, her financial extravagance, and her manipulative social climbing. Mrs. Hampton, Lady Flora Desmond, and Joan Rodney debate Ivy's character, with Joan accusing her of being a 'gold-digger' who pursues wealthy men like Miles Rushworth for personal gain.
Themes in this chapter
Wealth and Financial Ruin
Ivy's extravagant spending has depleted Jervis's capital, and the characters discuss the precariousness of wealth and the pursuit of money.
Deception and Self-Deception
Ivy's manipulative charm and the differing perceptions of her character among the guests highlight themes of deception and self-deception.
Social Class and Appearance
The characters judge Ivy based on her beauty and manners, revealing the importance of social appearance and class in their circle.
Characters to notice
- Ivy Lexton
Described as beautiful, extravagant, and manipulative; she is accused of being a gold-digger and of frittering away her husband's capital.
- Mary Hampton
Hostess of the weekend party; she expresses concern over Ivy's behavior and admits to having arranged the party for Ivy to meet Miles Rushworth.
- Lady Flora
A kind and naive widow who admires Ivy's beauty and defends her, despite warnings from others.
- Joan Rodney
A sharp-tongued spinster who openly criticizes Ivy, calling her a gold-digger and warning Mrs. Hampton to be cautious.
- Jervis Lexton
Ivy's husband; described as a 'good sort' who has lost much of his fortune due to Ivy's spending, and is seeking employment through Miles Rushworth.
- Miles Rushworth
A wealthy millionaire and amateur billiard-player; Ivy is seen strolling with him in the garden, and Mrs. Hampton hopes he will find Jervis a job.
Key passages
“Ivy is very fond of money, or rather of spending it. In fact she is idiotically extravagant.”
Ivy loves money, but only for spending it recklessly.
Mrs. Hampton criticizes Ivy's financial irresponsibility.
“She's out, all the time, for what she can get. 'A gold-digger'—that's the slang American term for that kind of young person, Mary.”
Ivy is always seeking personal gain, a classic gold-digger.
Joan Rodney accuses Ivy of being a gold-digger.
“Ivy Lexton has a good deal in common with the heroine of Jack's favourite drawing-room story. The story of the lady who said to her husband, 'Oh, do let's go and see them; they're so rich!' to be met with the answer, 'My dear, I would if it was catching!'”
Ivy behaves like the woman in a joke who thinks wealth is contagious.
Mrs. Hampton uses a story to illustrate Ivy's obsession with rich people.