The Way We Live Now · Chapter
Miss Longestaffe Again at Caversham explained
Georgiana Longestaffe returns to Caversham after her father forbids her marriage to Mr.
What happens
Georgiana Longestaffe returns to Caversham after her father forbids her marriage to Mr. Brehgert. She faces hostility from her family, including her mother Lady Pomona and sister Sophia, who are preparing for Sophia's wedding to George Whitstable. Georgiana struggles with isolation and uncertainty about Brehgert's intentions after her father's intervention.
Themes in this chapter
Marriage as Financial Transaction
Georgiana's proposed marriage to Brehgert is driven by financial security and social ambition, while her family opposes it on grounds of religion and class.
Family Obligation and Selfishness
The Longestaffe family ostracizes Georgiana for her engagement, prioritizing social reputation over familial loyalty.
Deception and Hypocrisy
The family's horror at a Jewish suitor contrasts with their earlier willingness to associate with Melmotte, revealing class and religious hypocrisy.
Characters to notice
- Georgiana Longestaffe
Returns to Caversham after her father forbids her marriage to Mr. Brehgert; faces family ostracism and struggles with her uncertain future.
- Adolphus Longestaffe
Forbids Georgiana's marriage to Brehgert, sees Mr. Brehgert privately, and sends Dolly's letter to Caversham to pressure his daughter.
- Lady Pomona Longestaffe
Deeply distressed by Georgiana's engagement to a Jew; withdraws from her daughter and supports Sophia's wedding preparations.
- Sophia Longestaffe
Triumphant in her own engagement to George Whitstable; treats Georgiana with cold indifference and refuses to help her.
- Dolly Longestaffe
Writes a letter to his father expressing outrage at Georgiana's engagement to Brehgert, suggesting she should be locked up.
- Ezekiel Brehgert
The Jewish financier to whom Georgiana is engaged; his intentions are uncertain after Mr. Longestaffe's intervention.
Key passages
“If I don't marry what's to become of me? It isn't that Mr. Brehgert is the sort of man I should choose.”
Georgiana argues that she must marry for practical reasons, even if Brehgert is not her ideal choice.
Highlights the theme of marriage as a financial transaction and Georgiana's desperation.
“A Jew! People don't think about that as they used to, papa. He has a very fine income, and I should always have a house in—”
Georgiana dismisses her father's anti-Semitism, emphasizing Brehgert's wealth and the social acceptance of wealthy Jews.
Reflects changing Victorian attitudes toward Jewish financiers and the primacy of money over religion.
“I won't stand it if I'm to be treated like this. I'll go away somewhere.”
Georgiana threatens to leave home due to the family's cold treatment.
Illustrates her isolation and the breakdown of family bonds.