There Is Confusion · Chapter
XVIII explained
Joanna struggles with her ambition and her feelings for Peter after receiving his letter.
What happens
Joanna struggles with her ambition and her feelings for Peter after receiving his letter. She delays responding, then writes a harsh conditional letter demanding he become ambitious. Later, she sends a passionate love letter, but Peter's reply is formal and distant, announcing a 'final letter.' Meanwhile, Joanna faces professional disappointments in her dancing career, and eventually receives word from Sylvia that Peter plans to marry Maggie Neal.
Themes in this chapter
Ambition and Success
Joanna's relentless pursuit of a dancing career clashes with her personal desires and professional setbacks.
Love and Sacrifice
Joanna sacrifices emotional honesty for a conditional love, hoping to spur Peter's ambition, leading to heartbreak.
Characters to notice
- Joanna Marshall
Torn between her ambition and love for Peter; writes a stern letter then a passionate one; faces professional discouragement.
- Peter Bye
Receives Joanna's letters; responds formally, mentioning a 'final letter'; later announces his intention to marry Maggie Neal.
- Sylvia Marshall
Observes Joanna's distress; forwards Peter's letter to Joanna; communicates Peter's marriage plans.
- Maggie Ellersley
Mentioned as the woman Peter plans to marry.
- Helena Arnold
Helps Joanna obtain an interview with a famous dancer.
- Vera Sharples
Indirectly assists Joanna in securing a dance interview.
Key passages
“If she had only answered the letter, then, that very moment! But she had said to her impulse: 'No, I must wait. I can’t let him off too easily.'”
Joanna regretted not replying to Peter's letter immediately, having deliberately delayed to assert control.
Highlights Joanna's internal conflict between pride and love.
“Joanna’s creed was that one kept a stiff upper lip even to oneself.”
Joanna believed in suppressing her emotions, even in private.
Reveals Joanna's emotional discipline and its cost.
“I would give ten years of my life if you had written the second one first.”
Peter wishes Joanna's loving letter had come before her harsh one.
Shows Peter's hurt and the irreversible impact of Joanna's initial coldness.