# XIV: An Apparition explained — Uncle Silas

> Chapter companion for Uncle Silas by J. Sheridan Le Fanu.

## What happens

Uncle Silas pressures Maud to consider Dudley's suit, praising his son's qualities and the Ruthyn blood, and secures a fortnight's delay in her decision. Dudley attempts clumsy courtship with bouquets and a parrot, but Maud rejects his advances. After Maud firmly refuses Dudley, Silas appears devastated, and Dudley departs for Paris. That night, Maud experiences a supernatural terror, but Doctor Jolks dismisses it as hysteria. Milly and Maud later attend to Silas, who suffered a fit after Dudley's departure.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family and Heredity

Uncle Silas emphasizes the Ruthyn blood and family honor, pressuring Maud to marry Dudley to keep the family intact.

### Gender and Power

Maud is pressured by her uncle to accept a suitor she dislikes, reflecting the limited agency of women in matters of marriage and inheritance.

## Character check-ins

### Maud Ruthyn

Maud firmly rejects Dudley's suit, experiences supernatural terror, and is diagnosed with hysteria by Doctor Jolks.

### Uncle Silas

Silas pressures Maud to accept Dudley, appears devastated after her refusal, and suffers a fit following Dudley's departure.

### Dudley Ruthyn

Dudley attempts courtship with gifts but is ultimately rejected and departs for Paris.

### Milly Ruthyn

Milly supports Maud, sleeps by her side during the night of terror, and later attends to her father Silas.

### Mary Quince

Mary Quince sits by Maud during the night of supernatural terror.

## Key lines

> There are few men in England who could offer you an estate comparable with that you already possess; or, in fact, appreciably increase the splendour of your fortune.

Few men could match your wealth, so you can marry for love without financial worry.

_Uncle Silas argues that Maud's fortune allows her to marry without concern for a suitor's poverty._

> I am old—agitated—on the eve of a decision on which much depends. Pray relieve my suspense. Is my son to leave Bartram today in sorrow, or to remain in joy?

I am old and anxious; please tell me if my son must leave Bartram in sadness or stay happily.

_Silas pressures Maud for an immediate answer about Dudley's departure._

> A wrought two hours in a fit arter Master Dudley went. 'Twill be the death o' him, I'm thinkin', poor old fellah.

He had a fit for two hours after Master Dudley left; I think it will kill him.

_Old Wyat reports that Silas suffered a severe fit after Dudley's departure._

## Links

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