Uncle Silas · Chapter
XXXV: We Visit a Room in the Second Storey explained
Maud and Milly explore a room where Mr.
What happens
Maud and Milly explore a room where Mr. Charke supposedly committed suicide, leading to a tense encounter with old L'Amour. Milly expresses frustration over her lack of refinement compared to Maud, and Maud promises to teach her drawing and proper manners. Uncle Silas is described as being in a 'queerish' daze, and Lady Knollys writes to Maud about visiting for Christmas.
Themes in this chapter
Isolation and Imprisonment
Milly's isolation at Bartram-Haugh has left her socially awkward and uneducated, while the locked room and Uncle Silas's dazes suggest a gothic sense of confinement.
Gothic Atmosphere and Fear
The dark, shadowy room where Charke died, the bloodstain (real or imagined), and L'Amour's sudden appearance create a classic gothic horror scene.
Characters to notice
- Maud Ruthyn
Explores the room where Mr. Charke died, comforts Milly, and plans to educate her.
- Milly Ruthyn
Shows Maud the room, becomes upset about her lack of social graces, and agrees to Maud's teaching plan.
- Uncle Silas
Described as being in a 'queerish' daze, sometimes calling for people and then dismissing them.
- L'Amour
Interrupts Maud and Milly in the room, locks it, and warns them about disturbing Uncle Silas.
- Lady Knollys
Sends kind letters to Maud, promises to visit and include Milly in her invitation for Christmas.
- Mr. Carysbroke
Mentioned as having talked to Maud about pictures and walks, ignoring Milly.
Key passages
“HeвАЩs like a child aвАЩmost, when heвАЩs in one oвАЩ them dazes.”
He becomes almost childlike during his trances.
Milly describes Uncle Silas's peculiar episodes.
“I could вАЩmost drown myself. ItвАЩs a shame!”
I could almost drown myself. It's unfair!
Milly expresses her despair over her lack of refinement.