Villette · Chapter
A Burial explained
Lucy reflects on her changed social standing and Madame Beck's approval of her acquaintances.
What happens
Lucy reflects on her changed social standing and Madame Beck's approval of her acquaintances. She discovers that Madame Beck has secretly examined her letters from Dr. John, but returns them. Lucy mourns the end of their correspondence. Paulina confides in Lucy about Ginevra's claims of power over Graham, and they plan to test Ginevra's veracity. Lucy observes Paulina's shyness around Graham and her efforts to overcome it.
Themes in this chapter
Surveillance and Control
Madame Beck secretly examines Lucy's letters, reflecting the theme of surveillance and control within the school.
Illusion vs. Reality
Ginevra's claims about Graham's devotion are questioned by Paulina, highlighting the tension between appearance and truth.
Love and Self-Sacrifice
Lucy mourns the end of her correspondence with Dr. John, accepting the loss as 'right, just, natural' despite her grief.
Characters to notice
- Lucy Snowe
Narrator; reflects on Madame Beck's approval, discovers her letters were examined, mourns the end of correspondence with Dr. John, and interacts with Paulina.
- Madame Beck
Approves of Lucy's acquaintances; secretly examines Lucy's letters from Dr. John but returns them; comments on English character.
- John Graham Bretton
Dr. John; his letters to Lucy are examined by Madame Beck; mentioned as a savant and subject of Ginevra's claims; interacts shyly with Paulina.
- Paulina Mary
Confides in Lucy about Ginevra's claims; shows shyness toward Graham; tries to improve her manner with him.
- Ginevra Fanshawe
Claimed to have power over Graham; Paulina reports her boastful and degrading talk; Lucy plans to test her veracity.
- Mrs. Bretton
Mentioned as someone Ginevra degrades; Paulina relies on her support.
- Mr. Home
Paulina's father; regards her as a child; invites savants to dinner; notices Paulina's shyness with Graham.
Key passages
“I had seen the last of them. That goodly river on whose banks I had sojourned, of whose waves a few reviving drops had trickled to my lips, was bending to another course: it was leaving my little hut and field forlorn and sand-dry, pouring its wealth of waters far away.”
Lucy realizes she will receive no more letters from Dr. John, comparing the end of their correspondence to a river changing course and leaving her desolate.
Lucy's poetic lament for the loss of Dr. John's letters.
“She does influence me very much. She has the art of disturbing my happiness and unsettling my opinions. She hurts me through the feelings and people dearest to me.”
Paulina admits that Ginevra's words disturb her peace and make her doubt those she loves.
Paulina confides in Lucy about Ginevra's harmful influence.