Years of Grace · Chapter
Chapter X explained
Jane visits Stephen and the grandchildren in Paris, where Stephen reads King Arthur stories to the twins and Robin Redbreast.
What happens
Jane visits Stephen and the grandchildren in Paris, where Stephen reads King Arthur stories to the twins and Robin Redbreast. Jane reflects on the passage of time, her children growing up, and her recent preoccupations with André and Jimmy. The family plans to see The Mikado, and Jane feels a renewed appreciation for Stephen.
Themes in this chapter
Marriage and Sacrifice
Jane reflects on Stephen's role in her life and feels ashamed of her recent preoccupations with other men, reaffirming her commitment to him.
Generational Change
Jane observes her grandchildren and reflects on how children grow up unexpectedly, with different ideas of duty and the world.
Aging and Regret
Jane at fifty-one contemplates the passage of time, her children's growth, and her own past distractions.
Characters to notice
- Jane Ward
Reflects on her age, her marriage to Stephen, and her children's growth; feels ashamed of her recent preoccupations.
- Stephen Carver
Reads King Arthur stories to the grandchildren, plans a family outing to The Mikado, and shows indulgence and warmth.
- Cicily
Mentioned as a grown child; Jane recalls her long hair and crinkly hair from childhood.
- Jenny
Mentioned as a grown child; Jane recalls her Alice in Wonderland comb.
- Jimmy Jane
Mentioned as a grown child; Jane recalls his first sailor suit.
- Robin Redbreast
Grandchild sitting on Stephen's knee, delighted by the prospect of the theatre.
- John Ward
Grandchild with shining eyes, excited about the theatre.
- André Duroy
Mentioned in Jane's thoughts as a recent preoccupation.
- Jimmy Trent
Mentioned in Jane's thoughts as a recent preoccupation.
Key passages
“But Stephen had lived and he was still very much alive. That consoling thought struck Jane the moment that she entered the little green sitting-room in the Chatham Hotel, and she felt distinctly cheered by it.”
Jane felt comforted upon seeing Stephen alive and well in the hotel sitting room.
Highlights Jane's relief and affection for Stephen.
“When you looked at a child, Jane reflected solemnly, you could never believe that it would grow up to disappoint you.”
Jane muses that children seem innocent and incapable of future disappointment.
Reflects Jane's bittersweet view of parenthood and generational change.