The Way We Live Now · Chapter
The Party explained
After the grand party at Melmotte's house, the crowd is thinner than expected, but Melmotte remains defiant despite rumors of fraud.
What happens
After the grand party at Melmotte's house, the crowd is thinner than expected, but Melmotte remains defiant despite rumors of fraud. He reflects on his rise from the gutter to entertaining royalty, and confronts the desertion of Lord Alfred and Miles Grendall. Alone in the empty rooms, he steels himself for the coming storm, aware that his life of risk may soon end in ruin.
Themes in this chapter
Speculation and Ruin
Melmotte's party is overshadowed by rumors of fraud, and he contemplates the imminent collapse of his empire.
Deception and Hypocrisy
Guests attend the party despite believing Melmotte guilty, and Melmotte himself maintains a facade of confidence.
Social Mobility and Class
Melmotte, a former 'boy out of the gutter,' entertains royalty, highlighting the fluidity and peril of social ascent.
Characters to notice
- Augustus Melmotte
Hosts the party, reflects on his precarious position, and resolves to face his dangers with courage.
- Lord Nidderdale
Engages in light conversation about marriage and the Emperor during the party.
- Miles Grendall
Remains after the party on his father's advice, but shows reluctance and is scorned by Melmotte.
- Lord Alfred Grendall
Leaves early, deserting Melmotte, which stings the host with ingratitude.
- Herr Croll
Melmotte's loyal clerk, entrusted with securing the house after the party.
- Madame Melmotte
Leaves the party in the carriage with her daughter, as Melmotte stays behind.
- Marie Melmotte
Accompanies her mother in the carriage after the party.
Key passages
“It was so probable that such a man should have done something horrible! It was only hoped that the fraud might be great and horrible enough.”
People assumed Melmotte was guilty of something terrible and even hoped the crime would be spectacular.
Reflects the public's eagerness to believe in scandal.
“He had always lived with the consciousness that such a burden was on him and might crush him at any time.”
Melmotte had always known his risky lifestyle could lead to disaster.
Highlights Melmotte's awareness of his precarious position.
“Curs! ... They neither of them will be there. If any evil can be done to me by treachery and desertion, they will do it.”
Melmotte curses the Grendalls, predicting they will betray him in his time of need.
Shows Melmotte's bitterness and sense of abandonment.