Zuleika Dobson · Chapter
Chapter IX explained
At the concert at Judas College, Zuleika arrives late in black attire, having changed her pink pearl earrings to black ones as a sign of mourning for the Duke's impending death.
What happens
At the concert at Judas College, Zuleika arrives late in black attire, having changed her pink pearl earrings to black ones as a sign of mourning for the Duke's impending death. The Duke is touched by the gesture, and they discuss his suicide plan, with Zuleika asking him to call out her name at the moment of death. The Duke reflects on the Warden's detached life and Zuleika's resilient, romantic nature.
Themes in this chapter
Death and Sacrifice
The Duke's planned suicide for Zuleika is central; Zuleika's black pearls symbolize her mourning and acceptance of his sacrifice.
Vanity and Self-Absorption
Zuleika's concern that the Duke call her name so everyone knows he died for her highlights her vanity and need for public validation.
Artifice and Performance
Zuleika's dramatic change of attire and the theatrical nature of the Duke's planned death underscore the performative aspects of their romance.
Characters to notice
- Duke of Dorset
Arrives breathlessly at the concert, is surprised Zuleika is late, and is deeply moved by her black pearls. He agrees to call her name at his death.
- Zuleika Dobson
Arrives late in black satin, having changed her pink pearl earrings to black as a sign of mourning. She banters with the Duke and asks him to call her name at his death.
- The Warden
Sits calmly reading the programme, unaware of the emotional turmoil. The Duke sees him as a dried-up, mad old man.
- The MacQuern
Glared reproaches at the Duke earlier and carried the malachite casket in procession.
- Mélisande
Appeared through the postern holding the malachite casket.
Key passages
“And now not on him alone need she ponder. Now he was but the centre of a group—a group that might grow and grow—a group that might with a little encouragement be a multitude … With such hopes dimly whirling in the recesses of her soul, her beautiful red lips babbled.”
Zuleika realizes the Duke is not the only one who might die for her; she imagines a growing crowd of admirers willing to sacrifice themselves, and this excites her.
Shows Zuleika's growing ambition for mass adoration, moving beyond the Duke alone.
“A man ought to be pleased when a woman goes quite unconsciously into mourning for him—goes just because she really does mourn him.”
Zuleika suggests that a man should feel flattered when a woman unknowingly dresses in mourning for him, as it shows genuine grief.
Highlights the ironic and self-aware tone of their conversation about death and devotion.
“She was one who could tread the tragic plane without stumbling, and be resilient in the valley of the shadow.”
The Duke thinks Zuleika is strong enough to handle tragedy gracefully and remain cheerful even in the face of death.
Reflects the Duke's admiration for Zuleika's emotional resilience, despite her apparent lack of deep sorrow.