A Family Quarrel explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Love and Betrayal

  Aileen's discovery of Cowperwood's multiple affairs highlights the betrayal in their marriage.

• Wealth and Its Illusions

  Despite her wealth and beauty, Aileen feels powerless and humiliated, showing the emptiness of material status.

• Individual vs. Society

  Aileen's private anguish contrasts with the public gossip and social scrutiny she faces.

Characters to notice

• Aileen Cowperwood

  Discovers her husband's infidelities through gossip and overheard conversations, feeling betrayed and humiliated.

• Frank A. Cowperwood

  Continues multiple affairs, including with Stephanie Platow, Cecily Haguenin, and Florence Cochrane, causing Aileen distress.

• Stephanie Platow

  Her affair with Cowperwood is revealed to Aileen through Mrs. Platow's mention of a jade gift.

• Cecily Haguenin

  Engages in a flirtation and kiss with Cowperwood, as overheard by servants.

• Florence Cochrane

  Suspected by Aileen of being another of Cowperwood's liaisons, based on servant gossip.

• Mrs. Platow

  Innocently reveals the jade gift to Aileen, exposing Cowperwood's affair with Stephanie.

Key passages

• “That was such a charming set of jade you gave her. I only saw it the other day for the first time. She never told me about it before. She prizes it so very highly, that I feel as though I ought to thank you myself.”

  Mrs. Platow thanks Aileen for a jade gift that Cowperwood actually gave to Stephanie, inadvertently revealing the affair.

  This conversation triggers Aileen's suspicion about Cowperwood's relationship with Stephanie.

• “With what measure ye mete it shall be measured unto you again.”

  Aileen reflects that her own past wrongdoing in taking Cowperwood from his first wife is now being repaid by his infidelity.

  Aileen considers the biblical principle of reaping what one sows, though she is not religious.