# XVIII explained — There Is Confusion

> Chapter companion for There Is Confusion by Jessie Redmon Fauset.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/there_is_confusion_se/chapters/xviii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/there_is_confusion_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/there_is_confusion_se/chapters