Mrs. Hurtle's Fate explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Gender and Power

  Mrs. Hurtle reflects on the double standard that allows Paul to move on while she is ruined by his betrayal.

• Love vs. Practicality

  Mrs. Hurtle's lingering love for Paul contrasts with her practical decision to return to America with Mr. Fisker.

Characters to notice

• Mrs. Hurtle

  Consents to stay for Ruby's wedding, reflects on her love for Paul Montague, and prepares to return to America with Mr. Fisker.

• Paul Montague

  Visits Mrs. Hurtle at her request; they discuss Hetta Carbury and their final parting.

• Mrs. Pipkin

  Hosts Mrs. Hurtle, praises her as a lodger, and is grateful for her generosity.

• John Crumb

  Marries Ruby Ruggles; Mrs. Hurtle attends the wedding and admires his faithfulness.

• Ruby Ruggles

  Marries John Crumb; Mrs. Hurtle attends the wedding.

• Hamilton K. Fisker

  Offers to take Mrs. Hurtle back to San Francisco; she plans to travel with him.

Key passages

• “She not only longed to see him once again, but she could with difficulty bring herself to leave the land in which he was living.”

  She desperately wanted to see him one more time and found it hard to leave the country where he lived.

  Mrs. Hurtle's emotional attachment to Paul Montague.

• “How different would her life have been could she have met a man who would have been as true to her as John Crumb was to his Ruby!”

  She wished she had found a man as faithful as John Crumb was to Ruby.

  Mrs. Hurtle contrasts her own romantic misfortune with John Crumb's loyalty.

• “He could change his love as often as he pleased, and be as good a lover at the end as ever;—whereas she was ruined by his defection.”

  He could move on easily, but his abandonment destroyed her.

  Reflection on gender inequality in love and reputation.