The Way We Live Now · Chapter
Everybody Goes to Them explained
Georgiana Longestaffe reluctantly accepts an invitation to stay with the Melmottes in London, driven by her desperation to find a husband and escape the boredom of the countryside, despite her deep disdain for the family.
What happens
Georgiana Longestaffe reluctantly accepts an invitation to stay with the Melmottes in London, driven by her desperation to find a husband and escape the boredom of the countryside, despite her deep disdain for the family. Her mother, Lady Pomona, and sister Sophia are anxious about their own return to London, as Mr. Longestaffe delays their plans, leading to a tense family confrontation.
Themes in this chapter
Social Mobility and Class
Georgiana's decision to stay with the Melmottes, despite her contempt for them, highlights the compromises made for social advancement.
Marriage as Financial Transaction
Georgiana openly states she will marry any man with a sufficient income, treating marriage as a transactional necessity.
Family Obligation and Selfishness
Mr. Longestaffe's delay in returning to London and Georgiana's threats to elope reveal the selfishness and conflict within the family.
Characters to notice
- Georgiana Longestaffe
Georgiana reluctantly decides to stay with the Melmottes in London, expressing her disgust but feeling she has no other chance to secure a marriage.
- Lady Pomona Longestaffe
Lady Pomona mediates between her husband and daughters, conveying the invitation from the Melmottes and worrying about the family's social standing.
- Sophia Longestaffe
Sophia is engaged to George Whitstable and remains at Caversham, envied by Georgiana for her settled future.
- Adolphus Longestaffe
Mr. Longestaffe delays the family's return to London, causing frustration and leading to Georgiana's decision to accept the Melmottes' invitation.
- Augustus Melmotte
Melmotte extends an invitation to Georgiana to stay with his family, a move that underscores his growing social influence.
- Madame Melmotte
Madame Melmotte is mentioned as the hostess for Georgiana's stay, though Georgiana views her as vulgar and low-born.
Key passages
“The first man that comes to me with four or five thousand a year, I'll take him, though he'd come out of Newgate or Bedlam.”
Georgiana declares she will marry any man who offers a sufficient income, regardless of his character or background.
This quote underscores the theme of marriage as a financial transaction and Georgiana's desperation.
“Everybody goes to them.”
Lady Pomona justifies the Melmottes' social standing by noting that high society frequents their home.
This phrase reflects the social pressure to conform and the Melmottes' acceptance despite their dubious origins.
“If papa chooses me to be seen with such people it is not my fault.”
Georgiana shifts responsibility for her association with the Melmottes onto her father's decision.
This illustrates the theme of family obligation and the tension between personal pride and parental authority.