Zuleika Dobson · Chapter
XVII explained
The Duke, after his confrontation with Zuleika, dines alone and reflects on his situation.
What happens
The Duke, after his confrontation with Zuleika, dines alone and reflects on his situation. He summons Katie, the landlady's daughter, and questions her about her love for him. He gives her the pink and black pearls that Zuleika had given him, leading to a misunderstanding where Katie believes the Duke loves her. The chapter ends with confusion and tension as the Duke denies any romantic intent.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Obsession
The Duke's manipulation of Katie's affections and his own obsession with Zuleika's love are central to the chapter.
Social Class and Privilege
The Duke's condescension toward Katie and her awareness of their class difference highlight the theme of social hierarchy.
Artifice and Performance
The Duke's theatrical questioning of Katie and the gift of the pearls are acts of performance, masking his true intentions.
Characters to notice
- Duke of Dorset
The Duke dines alone, reflects on his encounter with Zuleika, and engages in a perplexing conversation with Katie, giving her the pearls.
- Zuleika Dobson
Mentioned in the Duke's thoughts; he recalls her accusations and his own feelings of having been harsh.
- Katie
The landlady's daughter who serves the Duke; he questions her about her love for him and gives her the pearls, leading to a misunderstanding.
Key passages
“There seemed to be a strain of brutality in his nature. Poor Zuleika! He was glad for her that she had contrived to master her infatuation”
The Duke reflects on his own harshness and feels relieved that Zuleika has overcome her obsession with him.
The Duke's internal conflict and self-awareness are revealed.
“Enough for him that he was loved by this exquisite meek girl who had served him at the feast.”
The Duke finds comfort in the fact that Katie, the serving girl, loves him.
The Duke's need for admiration and his condescension toward Katie are evident.
“I am glad. I am touched. You are the first woman that has loved me in that way. Or rather, the first but one.”
The Duke tells Katie she is the first woman to love him selflessly, though he corrects himself, thinking of Zuleika.
The Duke's comparison between Katie and Zuleika highlights his emotional turmoil.
“If I were to tell you that I loved you, would you cease to love me?”
The Duke asks Katie if her love would vanish if he reciprocated it.
The Duke's manipulative and philosophical questioning reflects his obsession with the nature of love.
“You said you loved me just before you gave me them. You know you did.”
Katie insists that the Duke declared his love for her when he gave her the earrings.
The misunderstanding between the Duke and Katie reaches its peak.