II: The Vale of Carwell explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Secrecy and Deception

  Alice insists on secrecy about the detour, and Dulcibella expresses dread of secrets, highlighting the theme.

• Isolation and Entrapment

  The lonely, dark glen and narrow road evoke a sense of isolation and impending entrapment.

Characters to notice

• Alice Maybell

  Anxious and secretive, Alice directs the driver to Carwell Grange to see an old woman, promising secrecy and a reward.

• Dulcibella Crane

  Alice's devoted old nurse, who dreads secrets but pledges loyalty and silence.

• Mysterious Woman

  A tall female figure reclining in a hired carriage, whose appearance fills Alice with sudden fear.

Key passages

• “вАЬHow fresh and pleasant the air is here, and how beautiful the purple of the heath!вАЭ exclaimed the young lady with animation.”

  Alice cheerfully remarks on the fresh air and the beauty of the purple heath.

  Shows Alice's attempt to lift her spirits during the journey.

• “вАЬYouвАЩre a kind old thing,вАЭ said the young lady, placing her slender hand fondly on her old nurseвАЩs arm, вАЬgood old Dulcibella: youвАЩre always to come with me wherever I go.вАЭ”

  Alice affectionately tells Dulcibella she will always take her along.

  Highlights the close bond between Alice and her nurse.

• “вАЬYou need not fear thisвБ†вАФit is nothing, no secret, if people were not unreasonable, and it shanвАЩt be a secret long, perhaps, only be true to me.вАЭ”

  Alice reassures Dulcibella that the matter is not truly a secret, only that people are unreasonable, and asks for her loyalty.

  Reveals Alice's attempt to downplay the secrecy while still demanding discretion.

• “At sight of this vehicle, drawn up before them, a sudden fear chilled the young lady with, perhaps, a remote prescience.”

  Seeing the waiting carriage, Alice is struck by a sudden, foreboding fear.

  Foreshadows a significant encounter or event.