The Way We Live Now · Chapter
The Rivals explained
Hetta Carbury, feeling ill-used and silenced by her mother, resolves to visit Mrs.
What happens
Hetta Carbury, feeling ill-used and silenced by her mother, resolves to visit Mrs. Hurtle at Islington. After the visit, she becomes convinced of Paul Montague's faithfulness and decides to write to him, confessing her injustice and inviting him back, despite Lady Carbury's opposition.
Themes in this chapter
Love vs. Practicality
Hetta's determination to follow her heart contrasts with Lady Carbury's pragmatic view that a woman must sacrifice feelings for a secure marriage.
Family Obligation and Selfishness
Lady Carbury prioritizes her son Felix's burdens and her own plans over Hetta's happiness, while Hetta asserts her independence.
Deception and Hypocrisy
Lady Carbury's claim to be acting as a dutiful mother masks her manipulation; Mrs. Hurtle's honesty about Paul's past contrasts with the mother's deceit.
Characters to notice
- Lady Carbury
Constrained and severe with Hetta, she tries to enforce a mother's duty by pushing her daughter toward Roger Carbury, but is frightened by Hetta's stern silence.
- Hetta Carbury
Silent and resolute, she visits Mrs. Hurtle, learns the truth about Paul's fidelity, and determines to write to him and restore their engagement despite her mother's anger.
- Mrs. Hurtle
Reveals Paul's treachery to herself but confirms his faithfulness to Hetta; she speaks graciously and plans to return to the States, kissing Hetta goodbye.
- Paul Montague
Referenced as the man Hetta loves; his fidelity is vindicated by Mrs. Hurtle, and Hetta resolves to write to him and take him back.
Key passages
“Hetta, thinking that she was ill-used, kept herself aloof, and would not speak to her mother of herself or of her troubles.”
Hetta felt mistreated and withdrew, refusing to discuss her problems with her mother.
Hetta's silent resistance to her mother's pressure.
“I have been to her. She is a wonderful woman.”
I visited Mrs. Hurtle, and I found her remarkable.
Hetta reveals her visit to Mrs. Hurtle, which changed her mind.
“I shall write to him at once. If you like I will show you the letter.”
I'm going to write to Paul immediately, and I'll even show you the letter if you want.
Hetta's defiant decision to contact Paul.