# II explained — Those Barren Leaves

> Chapter companion for Those Barren Leaves by Aldous Huxley.

## What happens

Mrs. Aldwinkle returns to the palace and finds Calamy already there with Miss Thriplow, leading to a display of jealousy and possessiveness. She insists on personally showing Calamy the palace and its treasures, while Irene accidentally reveals Mrs. Aldwinkle's hidden rings. The chapter explores Mrs. Aldwinkle's proprietary attitude toward the view, the history, and her guests.

## Themes in this chapter

### Class and Snobbery

Mrs. Aldwinkle's possessiveness over the view, history, and culture of the palace reflects her snobbish need to be the sole arbiter of taste and value.

### Authenticity vs. Performance

Mrs. Aldwinkle performs the role of cultured hostess, while Miss Thriplow performs rapt attention to atone for her earlier independence.

### Desire and Self-Deception

Mrs. Aldwinkle deceives herself into believing she has bought not just a palace but also its history, culture, and even the landscape itself.

## Character check-ins

### Mrs. Aldwinkle

Returns to the palace, jealous of Calamy's time with Miss Thriplow, and insists on personally showing him the palace and its history.

### Mary Thriplow

Accompanies Calamy and Mrs. Aldwinkle, trying to atone for having been alone with Calamy by showing rapt attention to Mrs. Aldwinkle's lecture.

### Mr. Calamy

Arrives at the palace and is shown around by Miss Thriplow before Mrs. Aldwinkle returns and takes over the tour.

### Irene

Mrs. Aldwinkle's niece, who accidentally reveals a hidden stash of rings while straightening a chair cover.

## Key lines

> Mrs. Aldwinkle was perpetually haunted by the fear that she was missing something.

Mrs. Aldwinkle constantly worried that events were happening elsewhere without her.

_Highlights her possessive and anxious nature._

> With the palace Mrs. Aldwinkle had purchased vast domains unmentioned in the contract.

Mrs. Aldwinkle believed she had bought not just the palace but also its history, culture, and landscape.

_Illustrates her delusional sense of ownership._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/those_barren_leaves_se/chapters/ii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/those_barren_leaves_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/those_barren_leaves_se/chapters