Uncle Silas · Chapter
III: A Midnight Departure explained
Doctor Bryerly visits Maud at Bartram-Haugh and expresses concern about her living conditions, urging her to consider leaving.
What happens
Doctor Bryerly visits Maud at Bartram-Haugh and expresses concern about her living conditions, urging her to consider leaving. He warns her about the servants, advises her to keep Mary Quince close, and gives her his address in secret. After his departure, Maud's anxieties are temporarily soothed by the return of Lady Knollys, who visits and warmly meets Milly.
Themes in this chapter
Isolation and Imprisonment
Maud's isolation at Bartram-Haugh is highlighted by Doctor Bryerly's concerns about her lack of society, education, and freedom.
Deception and Appearance
Doctor Bryerly warns Maud about the deceptive nature of the servants and advises her to burn letters and hide his address.
Characters to notice
- Maud Ruthyn
Maud reflects on her situation at Bartram-Haugh and receives Doctor Bryerly's warnings.
- Doctor Bryerly
Doctor Bryerly visits Maud, questions her about her treatment, and secretly advises her to leave.
- Milly Ruthyn
Milly is present during Lady Knollys' visit and is warmly greeted.
- Lady Knollys
Lady Knollys returns and visits Maud at Bartram-Haugh, bringing cheer and meeting Milly.
- Mary Quince
Mary Quince is mentioned as being with Maud and is advised by Doctor Bryerly to stay.
Key passages
“It was in that awful portion of the book which assumes to describe the condition of the condemned; and it said that, independently of the physical causes in that state operating to enforce community of habitation, and an isolation from superior spirits, there exist sympathies, aptitudes, and necessities which would, of themselves, induce that depraved gregariousness, and isolation too.”
Doctor Bryerly reads a passage about how the damned are forced into both a corrupt togetherness and a separation from better beings, suggesting that even without physical constraints, their own inclinations would lead to that same degraded companionship and isolation.
Doctor Bryerly uses this theological text to imply that the people at Bartram-Haugh are morally depraved and isolated by their own natures.
“I have no idea what self-denial I have exercised to bring this visit about. I, who detest writing, have actually written five letters to Silas; and I don't think I said a single impertinent thing in one of them!”
Lady Knollys jokes that she had to restrain herself greatly, writing five polite letters to Silas despite hating correspondence, just to arrange this visit.
Lady Knollys' playful remark reveals her strained relationship with Uncle Silas and her determination to see Maud.