The Truth About Tristrem Varick · Chapter
VI explained
Tristrem awakens blissfully in love, dreams of Viola, and announces his engagement to his father, Mr.
What happens
Tristrem awakens blissfully in love, dreams of Viola, and announces his engagement to his father, Mr. Varick, who reacts with a strange, almost malicious composure. Tristrem then visits his grandfather, Mr. Dirck Van Norden, who joyfully accepts the news, gives him a diamond brooch that belonged to Tristrem's mother, and warns against giving an opal as a gift. Tristrem spends several days in euphoria, planning for the marriage.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Idealism
Tristrem's euphoric dreams and his idealized view of love dominate the chapter, contrasting with his father's cold reaction.
Inheritance and Moral Obligation
The grandfather's gift of the diamond brooch, passed from Tristrem's mother, and the discussion of the opal's luck highlight themes of family legacy and obligation.
Characters to notice
- Tristrem Varick
Awakens in love, dreams of Viola, announces engagement to his father, visits his grandfather, and is absurdly happy.
- Mr. Dirck Van Norden
Tristrem's grandfather; receives the engagement news with enthusiasm, writes letters, gives Tristrem a diamond brooch, and warns against opals.
- Viola Raritan
The object of Tristrem's love; he is engaged to her and dreams of her throughout the chapter.
- The Servant
Delivers Tristrem's message to Mr. Varick and reports his father's reaction.
Key passages
“But a poet has held that the most pleasurable thing imaginable is to awake on a summer morning with the consciousness of being in love.”
A poet once said that waking up in love on a summer morning is the greatest pleasure.
Sets the tone for Tristrem's joyful awakening and his romantic idealism.
“He saw grief collapse and joy enthroned.”
He imagined sorrow vanishing and happiness reigning supreme.
Reflects Tristrem's optimistic and dreamlike state after falling in love.
“It is not lucky.”
It brings bad luck.
Mr. Van Norden's warning about the opal, reflecting superstitions of the time.