XIII: Question and Answer explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Isolation and Imprisonment

  Uncle Silas's refusal of the invitation and his threat to prevent future contact with Lady Knollys reinforces Maud's isolation at Bartram-Haugh.

• Deception and Appearance

  Uncle Silas presents himself as frank and injured while manipulating Maud into confessing, and Dudley's proposal is a crude attempt at deception through feigned affection.

• Gender and Power

  Maud is subjected to interrogation by her male guardian and an unwanted proposal from her cousin, highlighting her lack of autonomy as a young woman.

Characters to notice

• Maud Ruthyn

  Maud is pressured by Uncle Silas to confess Lady Knollys's criticisms, then later rejects Dudley's proposal and reports his insult to her uncle.

• Uncle Silas

  Uncle Silas interrogates Maud about Lady Knollys, writes a scathing refusal of the invitation, and later receives Maud's complaint about Dudley's proposal.

• Dudley Ruthyn

  Dudley returns from Wolverhampton and makes an unwelcome marriage proposal to Maud, which she angrily rejects.

• Milly Ruthyn

  Milly shares in the disappointment when the invitation to the Grange is refused, and she and Maud console each other.

• Lady Knollys

  Lady Knollys is the subject of Uncle Silas's interrogation and the recipient of his angry refusal letter.

• Doctor Bryerly

  Maud reflects on Doctor Bryerly as a true and wise friend, though he has left.

Key passages

• “I implored her to make her peace with my uncle. I told her how frank he had been with me, and how he had shown me his sad reply to her letter.”

  Maud begged Lady Knollys to reconcile with Uncle Silas, explaining that he had been open with her and had shared his letter.

  Maud tries to mediate between Lady Knollys and Uncle Silas, showing her desire for harmony.

• “I mean, Maud, if ye'll marry me, you'll never ha' cause to complain; I'll never let ye want for nout, nor gi'e ye a wry word.”

  Dudley proposes to Maud, promising she will never have reason to complain and that he will provide for her.

  Dudley's proposal is crude and unwelcome, reflecting his lack of understanding of Maud's feelings.

• “What has there ever been, sir, in my conduct, words, or looks, to warrant this unparalleled audacity?”

  Maud angrily asks Dudley what in her behavior could have justified his bold proposal.

  Maud's indignation shows her clear rejection of Dudley's advances.