The Venetians · Chapter
XXIV: “Poor Kind Wild Eyes So Dashed with Light Quick Tears” explained
Vansittart visits Lisa Vivanti to warn her about Wilfred Sefton's past, revealing that Sefton caused a girl's suicide.
What happens
Vansittart visits Lisa Vivanti to warn her about Wilfred Sefton's past, revealing that Sefton caused a girl's suicide. Lisa agrees to dismiss Sefton. They part, believing it may be final. Vansittart meets Sefton on the stairs, and they exchange tense words. Later, at a social gathering, Sefton tries to provoke Eve's jealousy by mentioning Lisa's performance, but Eve deflects. The chapter explores themes of jealousy, secrecy, and social class.
Themes in this chapter
Jealousy and Trust
Sefton's jealousy of Vansittart's relationship with Lisa, and his attempt to provoke Eve's jealousy, highlight the theme's central role in the chapter.
Secrecy and Identity
Lisa's secret past with Vansittart, and Sefton's hidden misdeeds, underscore the theme of hidden truths and the masks people wear.
Social Class and Marriage
The contrast between Sefton's aristocratic background and his moral corruption, and the social expectations surrounding marriage, are evident in the chapter.
Characters to notice
- Jack Vansittart
Visits Lisa to warn her about Sefton, reveals Sefton's past, and parts with Lisa believing it may be final.
- Lisa Vivanti
Receives Vansittart's warning, agrees to dismiss Sefton, and expresses her lingering love for Vansittart.
- Wilfred Sefton
Meets Vansittart at Lisa's, broods over Lisa's past with Vansittart, and later tries to provoke Eve's jealousy.
- Eve Marchant
At a social gathering, she deflects Sefton's attempts to make her jealous about Lisa.
- Sophy Marchant
Engages in discussions about plays and music, eager to experience London's cultural scene.
Key passages
“The narrow footpaths and shady woodland walks are generally pleasanter than the broad high-road.”
Sefton implies that Vansittart's visit to Lisa is a secretive detour from his marital duties.
Sefton uses allegory to criticize Vansittart's visit to Lisa.
“He won her, blighted her, murdered her. Yes, Lisa, his crime came nearer murder than that dagger-thrust at Florian’s.”
Vansittart accuses Sefton of causing a girl's death through seduction and abandonment, comparing it to murder.
Vansittart reveals the severity of Sefton's past actions.
“It was Fate, not your will, that he should die like that. It was to be. Non si muove foglia che Iddio non voglia.”
Lisa consoles Vansittart about the dagger incident, attributing it to fate rather than his will.
Lisa's acceptance of fate reflects her fatalistic worldview.
“I understand! Love is always jealous.”
Lisa acknowledges that jealousy is inherent in love, accepting Vansittart's decision to stop visiting her.
Lisa's resignation highlights the theme of jealousy.