# Mrs. Chelifer's Arrival explained — Those Barren Leaves

> Chapter companion for Those Barren Leaves by Aldous Huxley.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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