The Woman in White · Chapter
XIII explained
Walter Hartright encounters Anne Catherick in the churchyard at Limmeridge, where she is cleaning Mrs.
What happens
Walter Hartright encounters Anne Catherick in the churchyard at Limmeridge, where she is cleaning Mrs. Fairlie's tomb. He observes the striking resemblance between Anne and Laura Fairlie, noting both similarities and differences. Through their conversation, Walter learns about Anne's gratitude toward Mrs. Fairlie, her strained relationship with her mother, and her escape from an asylum with the help of Mrs. Clements. Walter attempts to persuade Anne to reveal the truth about the anonymous letter to Laura, but when he mentions Sir Percival Glyde's name, Anne reacts with a terrified scream, confirming that Sir Percival was the one who had her confined.
Themes in this chapter
Identity and Appearance
Walter's detailed comparison of Anne Catherick and Laura Fairlie explores the unsettling resemblance between the two women, raising questions about identity and the potential for one to be mistaken for the other.
Secrecy and Conspiracy
The chapter deepens the mystery surrounding Sir Percival Glyde's past, as Anne's reaction to his name confirms his role in her imprisonment, hinting at a larger conspiracy.
Madness and Sanity
Anne's behavior oscillates between childlike innocence and maniacal fury, challenging the reader's perception of her sanity and questioning the legitimacy of her confinement.
Characters to notice
- Walter Hartright
Observes Anne Catherick in the churchyard, compares her appearance to Laura Fairlie, and attempts to gain her trust to learn the truth about the anonymous letter.
- Anne Catherick
Found cleaning Mrs. Fairlie's tomb; expresses deep gratitude toward her benefactress but reacts with terror when Sir Percival Glyde's name is mentioned, revealing he was responsible for her confinement in the asylum.
- Laura Fairlie
Mentioned in Walter's thoughts as the subject of the likeness to Anne; the anonymous letter warning her about Sir Percival is a central topic of discussion.
- Sir Percival Glyde
Named as the subject of Anne's anonymous letter; Anne's violent reaction to his name confirms he was the one who imprisoned her in the asylum.
- Mrs. Fairlie
Deceased benefactress of Anne Catherick; her tomb is the setting for the chapter, and Anne's devotion to her memory is a key emotional element.
- Mrs. Clements
Mentioned as the friend who helped Anne escape the asylum and brought her to Todd's Corner for safety and quiet.
Key passages
“I had seen Anne Catherick’s likeness in Miss Fairlie. I now saw Miss Fairlie’s likeness in Anne Catherick”
Walter realizes the resemblance between the two women is mutual, not just one-sided.
Highlights the theme of identity and the uncanny similarity between Laura and Anne.
“The shriek at the name, the reiterated look of hatred and fear that instantly followed, told all. Not even a last doubt now remained. Her mother was guiltless of imprisoning her in the asylum. A man had shut her up—and that man was Sir Percival Glyde.”
Anne's extreme reaction to hearing Sir Percival's name confirms that he, not her mother, was responsible for her confinement.
Key revelation that advances the plot and implicates Sir Percival in a serious crime.
“If ever sorrow and suffering set their profaning marks on the youth and beauty of Miss Fairlie’s face, then, and then only, Anne Catherick and she would be the twin-sisters of chance resemblance”
Walter fears that Laura might one day come to resemble Anne if she experiences similar hardship.
Foreshadows future events and underscores the theme of identity and suffering.
