The Way We Live Now · Chapter
So Shall Be My Enmity explained
Paul Montague, troubled by his parting with Mrs.
What happens
Paul Montague, troubled by his parting with Mrs. Hurtle, busies himself with resigning from the American railway board. He returns to London to hear rumors of Melmotte's downfall and Sir Felix's disappearance. Meanwhile, Hetta Carbury accepts Paul's proposal, leading to a confrontation with her mother, Lady Carbury, who accuses her of selfishness. Paul writes to Roger Carbury to inform him, and Roger responds with a furious letter declaring enmity.
Themes in this chapter
Love vs. Practicality
Hetta chooses love for Paul over the practical advantages of marrying Roger, despite her mother's objections about financial ruin.
Family Obligation and Selfishness
Lady Carbury accuses Hetta of being selfish and ruining the family's chance at a secure home, contrasting personal desire with familial duty.
Deception and Hypocrisy
Paul's internal conflict over his treatment of Mrs. Hurtle and his self-justification in his letter to Roger highlight themes of self-deception and moral hypocrisy.
Characters to notice
- Paul Montague
Troubled by his parting with Mrs. Hurtle, he resigns from the railway board and proposes to Hetta Carbury.
- Mrs. Hurtle
Bids farewell to Paul Montague in good faith, releasing him from their engagement.
- Hetta Carbury
Accepts Paul Montague's proposal, causing a rift with her mother and cousin Roger.
- Lady Carbury
Angrily confronts Hetta about her engagement, accusing her of selfishness and ruining the family's prospects.
- Roger Carbury
Receives Paul's letter and responds with a wrathful declaration of enmity, refusing to forgive Paul.
- Sir Felix Carbury
Reported missing for several days; rumored to have drowned himself after the Melmotte affair.
Key passages
“You shall be troubled no more with Winifrid Hurtle.”
Mrs. Hurtle tells Paul Montague she will no longer bother him.
Mrs. Hurtle releases Paul from their engagement in good faith.
“So shall be my enmity to you.”
Roger Carbury declares his lasting hatred for Paul Montague.
Roger's letter ends with a vow of enmity, reflecting his deep sense of betrayal.
“He who makes excuses is his own accuser.”
Making excuses is an admission of guilt.
Roger uses this French saying to condemn Paul's justification for his actions.