We Quarrel explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Illusion vs. Reality

  Dr. John's idealized perception of Ginevra contrasts sharply with Lucy's realistic assessment of her mercenary nature, highlighting the tension between romantic illusion and harsh reality.

• Love and Self-Sacrifice

  Lucy suppresses her own feelings and opinions to maintain peace with Dr. John, demonstrating self-sacrifice in the name of preserving their friendship.

Characters to notice

• Lucy Snowe

  Lucy quarrels with Dr. John over his idealization of Ginevra, then seeks forgiveness and reflects on the deepening of their friendship.

• John Graham Bretton

  Dr. John is hurt by Lucy's criticism but forgives her, revealing his generous and sensitive nature; he continues to defend Ginevra's innocence.

• Ginevra Fanshawe

  Ginevra is discussed at length as the object of Dr. John's affections; Lucy argues she is mercenary and coquettish, while Dr. John insists on her disinterestedness.

Key passages

• “Thus our quarrel ended. Reader, if in the course of this work, you find that my opinion of Dr. John undergoes modification, excuse the seeming inconsistency. I give the feeling as at the time I felt it; I describe the view of character as it appeared when discovered.”

  The argument concluded, and Lucy warns the reader that her view of Dr. John may change over time, as she is recording her feelings as they happen.

  Lucy reflects on the fluidity of her perceptions and the honesty of her narrative.

• “An invisible, but a cold something, very slight, very transparent, but very chill: a sort of screen of ice had hitherto, all through our two lives, glazed the medium through which we exchanged intercourse. Those few warm words, though only warm with anger, breathed on that frail frost-work of reserve; about this time, it gave note of dissolution.”

  A thin barrier of coldness had always existed between Lucy and Dr. John, but their angry exchange melted it, leading to a more open friendship.

  Lucy describes how the quarrel paradoxically brought them closer together.

• “I chanced to assert one day, with a view to stilling his impatience, that in my own mind, I felt positive Miss Fanshawe must intend eventually to accept him.”

  Lucy once claimed she was certain Ginevra planned to marry Dr. John, hoping to calm his anxiety.

  Lucy tries to reassure Dr. John about Ginevra's intentions.

• “Ginevra has had her hands filled from your hands more times than I can count. You have sought for her the costliest flowers; you have busied your brain in devising gifts the most delicate: such, one would have thought, as only a woman could have imagined; and in addition, Miss Fanshawe owns a set of ornaments, to purchase which your generosity must have verged on extravagance.”

  Lucy points out that Dr. John has given Ginevra many expensive gifts, including flowers and jewelry, implying that Ginevra is not as disinterested as he believes.

  Lucy accuses Dr. John of being blind to Ginevra's materialism.

• “Dr. John,” I began, “Love is blind;” but just then a blue, subtle ray sped sideways from Dr. John’s eye: it reminded me of old days, it reminded me of his picture: it half led me to think that part, at least, of his professed persuasion of Miss Fanshawe’s naivete was assumed; it led me dubiously to conjecture that perhaps, in spite of his passion for her beauty, his appreciation of her foibles might possibly be less mistaken, more clear-sighted, than from his general language was presumable.”

  Lucy starts to say 'Love is blind' but notices a knowing look in Dr. John's eye, making her suspect that he may be more aware of Ginevra's faults than he lets on.

  Lucy questions whether Dr. John is truly naive or merely playing a role.