Previous
Chapter 10
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Daniel Deronda, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Identity and Self-Discovery
Judaism and Zionism
Marriage, Gender, and Control
Familial Duty
Wealth and Social Class
Summary
Analysis
During their first introduction at the Archery Meeting, Mr. Grandcourt’s appearance and demeanor surprise Gwendolen. Contrary to the vibrant and perhaps slightly foolish figure she had imagined, Grandcourt presents himself with an air of aloofness. He is slightly taller than Gwendolen, with a composed and indifferent expression that lacks the eagerness she has come to expect in admirers. His long, narrow gray eyes and faded fairness strike her as aristocratic but cold, and his manner during their conversation further reinforces this impression. Their initial exchanges are marked by long pauses and understated dialogue, leaving Gwendolen to fill the silence with her own interpretations and musings. Despite his reticence, Grandcourt’s quiet attention piques Gwendolen’s interest.
Grandcourt’s aloof demeanor challenges Gwendolen’s expectations, forcing her to adjust her approach. His aristocratic but cold appearance contrasts with the eager admiration she is accustomed to receiving, creating an enigmatic dynamic between them. The pauses in their conversation allow Gwendolen to project her thoughts onto him, revealing her tendency to analyze and control interactions to maintain her position of power. Grandcourt’s restrained attention intrigues her, as it represents a subtle shift from the typical dynamic where she easily commands admiration.
Themes
Grandcourt comments on how archery previously seemed dull to him but now interests him after seeing Gwendolen shoot, while Gwendolen teases him about his hobbies and pastimes. He admits to having abandoned many pursuits, including shooting, and mentions his past experiences with tiger-hunting and pig-sticking in the East. Gwendolen responds with enthusiasm about her love for horseback riding and her desire for excitement, expressing how new experiences make her feel alive. Their conversation, while courteous, feels stilted due to Grandcourt’s restrained demeanor.
The stilted conversation between Gwendolen and Grandcourt reflects their contrasting personalities. Grandcourt’s subdued responses and references to past adventures contrast with Gwendolen’s lively enthusiasm for excitement and novelty. This exchange illustrates Gwendolen’s preference for activity and stimulation, while Grandcourt’s reserved nature suggests a more passive, detached outlook.
Themes
After the Archery Meeting, everyone attends a ball where Grandcourt asks Gwendolen for a dance. Grandcourt takes his time before making this request and, by the time he finally asks, Gwendolen’s schedule is full, as many others have already asked her to dance. Gwendolen rejects Grandcourt with a mix of satisfaction and regret. On the one hand, she wants to punish him for his tardiness, but on the other, she did want to dance with him.
Gwendolen simultaneously relishes her ability to reject Grandcourt and regrets missing the chance to dance with him. Her calculated response to his tardiness shows her desire to maintain control and set boundaries in their developing dynamic. Gwendolen balances her enjoyment of his attention with her uncertainty about his reserved demeanor.
Themes
When one of Gwendolen’s dancing partners is called away due to an emergency, Grandcourt takes the opportunity to step in, securing a quadrille with Gwendolen. They dance together with polished ease, Grandcourt’s reserved manner complementing Gwendolen’s poised elegance. Observers take note of their pairing, as Grandcourt’s exclusive attention to Gwendolen signals his growing interest in her. Gwendolen enjoys the distinction but remains uncertain about her feelings toward Grandcourt, finding his demeanor both intriguing and slightly disconcerting.
The quadrille between Gwendolen and Grandcourt marks a turning point in their interactions, as their polished and complementary movements capture the attention of observers. Grandcourt’s exclusive focus on Gwendolen signals his growing interest, while Gwendolen enjoys the distinction of his attention despite her lingering doubts about him. This dance serves as both a public display of their connection and a private moment where Gwendolen begins to grapple with the complexity of her feelings toward Grandcourt.
Themes
Get the entire Daniel Deronda LitChart as a printable PDF.
After the dance, the two join a group discussing a proposed picnic archery meeting at Cardell Chase, which would feature a more relaxed and poetic setting than a formal ball. Gwendolen expresses interest in taking part, as does Grandcourt. During this discussion, Mr. Lush, Grandcourt’s associate—who effectively acts as a servant—suggests hosting the meeting at Diplow, Grandcourt’s estate. Gwendolen observes Lush with distaste, finding his appearance and manner unpleasant. When Lush attempts to assist Gwendolen by holding her cloak, she rejects him coldly, barely acknowledging his presence. Grandcourt intervenes without comment, calmly handing her the garment.
The proposed picnic archery meeting at Cardell Chase introduces another opportunity for Gwendolen to engage with Grandcourt in a social setting. Her distaste for Mr. Lush adds an element of tension to the gathering, as she judges his manners and appearance harshly. Meanwhile, Grandcourt’s calm intervention when Gwendolen rejects Lush’s assistance subtly reinforces his composed nature and his ability to navigate social discomfort without confrontation.
Themes
Later, Grandcourt asks permission to visit Offendene the following day, a request Mrs. Davilow grants with polite enthusiasm. Gwendolen, however, remains conflicted. On one hand, she enjoys the attention and the possibility of triumphing socially by capturing Grandcourt’s admiration. On the other hand, his reserved nature and lack of emotional expression leave her uncertain about his intentions and her own feelings toward him.
Grandcourt’s request to visit Offendene introduces the possibility of a deeper connection between him and Gwendolen. While Mrs. Davilow eagerly supports the idea, Gwendolen’s conflicted feelings reveal her uncertainty about Grandcourt’s reserved nature and her own ambitions. On one hand, she sees his attention as an opportunity to secure a social triumph, but on the other, his lack of emotional expression unsettles her.
Themes
