Those Barren Leaves · Chapter
Mrs. Chelifer's Arrival explained
Mrs.
What happens
Mrs. Chelifer arrives at the palace, brought by her son Francis. Mrs. Aldwinkle, though outwardly effusive, secretly dislikes her because she provides Chelifer with an excuse to escape her attentions. Mrs. Chelifer forms a close bond with Grace Elver, whom she practically adopts, much to Mr. Cardan's relief. The other guests, including Mr. Falx, Lord Hovenden, Irene, and Miss Thriplow, welcome her warmly for various reasons.
Themes in this chapter
Authenticity vs. Performance
Mrs. Aldwinkle performs effusive hospitality while secretly loathing Mrs. Chelifer; Miss Thriplow admires Mrs. Chelifer's perceived 'integral' simplicity.
Class and Snobbery
Mrs. Aldwinkle finds Mrs. Chelifer 'bourgeoise and bornée'; Mr. Cardan views Grace as akin to a stray animal.
Desire and Self-Deception
Mrs. Aldwinkle deceives herself about her motives for hosting Mrs. Chelifer; Miss Thriplow projects virtues onto Mrs. Chelifer.
Characters to notice
- Mrs. Chelifer
Arrives at the palace; forms a protective bond with Grace Elver; mourns the loss of her Oxford home and her charitable work.
- Mr. Chelifer
Brings his mother to the palace; tries to object but is overruled by Mrs. Aldwinkle.
- Mrs. Aldwinkle
Insists on hosting Mrs. Chelifer but secretly dislikes her; treats her with gushing affection to keep Chelifer nearby.
- Grace Elver
Becomes Mrs. Chelifer's devoted attendant; her behavior improves under Mrs. Chelifer's care.
- Mr. Cardan
Grateful for Mrs. Chelifer's presence; revises his plans to stay longer at the palace; decides to invite Mrs. Chelifer after his marriage.
- Mary Thriplow
Admires Mrs. Chelifer as a 'lesson' in goodness and simplicity; contrasts her with Grace Elver.
- Lord Hovenden
Welcomes Mrs. Chelifer; her arrival ends Irene's duties as a spy.
- Irene
Her spying duties cease with Mrs. Chelifer's arrival; likes Mrs. Chelifer.
Key passages
“Mrs. Aldwinkle remained extremely cordial to her new guest; but in secret she disliked Mrs. Chelifer extremely.”
Mrs. Aldwinkle was outwardly friendly but secretly hated Mrs. Chelifer.
Highlights the theme of performance vs. authenticity.
“When he learned the nature of her tastes and occupations, Mr. Cardan explained her kindness to himself by the hypothesis that poor Grace was the nearest thing to a stray dog or cat that Mrs. Chelifer could find.”
Mr. Cardan thought Mrs. Chelifer treated Grace like a substitute pet.
Reveals Cardan's cynical view of human relationships.
“I don't know that I very much like being free, she answered. I shall be without occupation in Rome. I look forward to it almost with dread.”
Mrs. Chelifer felt uneasy about her new freedom and dreaded having nothing to do in Rome.
Shows her need for purpose and connection.