Those Barren Leaves · Chapter
VI explained
Irene is torn between her aunt's encouragement to pursue art and her own inclination toward domestic crafts like sewing underclothing.
What happens
Irene is torn between her aunt's encouragement to pursue art and her own inclination toward domestic crafts like sewing underclothing. Mrs. Aldwinkle passionately advocates for the higher life of art, while Mr. Falx and Lord Hovenden counter with the importance of practical labor. The chapter explores Irene's internal conflict and the evening's conversation on the terrace.
Themes in this chapter
Authenticity vs. Performance
Irene's internal struggle between her genuine interest in sewing and the performed artistic identity encouraged by Aunt Lilian.
Class and Snobbery
Mrs. Aldwinkle's wealth from global investments enables her 'higher life' of art, contrasting with the labor of miners and workers.
Art and the Higher Life
Mrs. Aldwinkle's fervent belief in art as the ultimate justification for existence, set against Mr. Falx's emphasis on practical work.
Characters to notice
- Irene
Torn between painting/writing and sewing underclothing; influenced by Aunt Lilian's artistic ideals.
- Mrs. Aldwinkle
Passionately advocates for art as the highest life; encourages Irene's artistic pursuits; annoyed by Irene's shivering.
- Lord Hovenden
Sighs over Irene's affection for her aunt; laughs at the suggestion he become an artist; defends Irene against Mrs. Aldwinkle's criticism.
- Mr. Falx
Argues for the importance of practical work like coal-mining over art; speaks with a deep, prophetical voice.
- Aunt Lilian
Referenced as the instigator of Irene's artistic ambitions; encourages Irene to paint and write instead of sewing.
Key passages
“To be torn between divided allegiances is the painful fate of almost every human being.”
Almost everyone experiences the agony of conflicting loyalties.
Opening reflection on universal human conflict.
“The conflict which had raged during the last few months within Irene's spirit, though not so serious as some of the inward battles that have distracted strong men in their search for the salvation of integrity, was still for her a painful one.”
Irene's internal struggle, while less dramatic than great spiritual crises, was deeply distressing to her.
Introduces Irene's personal conflict.
“Put baldly in its most concrete form, the question at issue was this: should she paint pictures and write? or should she make her own underclothing?”
The practical choice Irene faced was between artistic pursuits and domestic sewing.
Summarizes Irene's dilemma in plain terms.
“Underclothing became for Irene the flesh, became illicit love and rebellious reason; poetry and watercolour painting, invested by her adoration of Aunt Lilian with a quality of sacredness, became spirit, duty and religion.”
Sewing symbolized worldly desires, while art, through her aunt's influence, took on a spiritual and moral significance.
Metaphorical framing of Irene's conflict.
“On the two hundred and seventy thousand pounds of Mrs. Aldwinkle's capital the sun never set. People worked; Mrs. Aldwinkle led the higher life.”
Mrs. Aldwinkle's global investments allowed her to pursue art while others labored.
Critique of the economic basis of her artistic lifestyle.
