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Chapter 20
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
Gwendolen arrives at the station near Offendene after an unhappy journey from Leubronn, feeling impatient and unprepared for the dreary reality that awaits her. Having sent a telegram with an incorrect train time, she is met by no one and must arrange transport herself. As she waits, she is acutely aware of her changed circumstances: she is no longer an admired and independent young woman, but someone facing financial ruin and social decline.
Gwendolen’s arrival at the station marks the first tangible consequence of her downfall. Used to being admired and accommodated, she now finds herself alone, forced to arrange her own transport. The incorrect telegram, a seemingly small mistake, reinforces her growing loss of control. Her impatience stems not just from exhaustion, but from the realization that her former independence has been replaced by helplessness.
Themes
During the drive home, Gwendolen grapples with the bleakness of her future. She had hoped that her family’s situation would not be dire and that they could go abroad to avoid disgrace. However, she is beginning to realize that she has little control over her fate. She is resentful of the misfortunes that have befallen her, and her thoughts turn bitterly toward Grandcourt—not because she regrets rejecting him, but because he has inadvertently ruined her prospects.
During the ride home, Gwendolen’s frustration hardens into resentment. She views her misfortunes as something imposed upon her rather than a result of circumstance. Grandcourt, whom she rejected, becomes a symbol of the security she has lost. Though she does not regret turning him down, she resents the fact that his existence serves as a reminder of the path she could have taken.
Themes
When Gwendolen arrives at Offendene, a visibly sad Mrs. Davilow greets her. She momentarily forgets her self-pity and focuses on comforting her mother, promising that she will find a way to improve their lives. However, once the initial reunion passes, reality sets in. Mrs. Davilow reveals that they must leave Offendene immediately, as they have lost everything. They will move to Sawyer’s Cottage, a small, modest home that the Gascoignes own. The mention of the cottage horrifies Gwendolen, who refuses to accept such a drastic downfall. She demands explanations, still struggling to grasp the full extent of their ruin.
Mrs. Davilow’s sorrow briefly pulls Gwendolen out of her self-pity, revealing a flicker of compassion. For a moment, she shifts from victim to caretaker, reassuring her mother despite her own fears. However, the reality of their situation quickly overtakes her. The mention of Sawyer’s Cottage shatters any illusion that their downfall is temporary. Still, Gwendolen refuses to accept that she has truly fallen, demanding explanations as though denial might alter the facts.
Themes
As Mrs. Davilow explains their financial situation, Gwendolen lashes out, blaming their misfortunes on others. When Mrs. Davilow gently suggests that she could work as a governess, Gwendolen is furious, insisting she will never accept such a humiliating fate. Instead, she decides to seek help from Herr Klesmer. She sends him a letter, asking for his guidance, hoping he will offer her a path into the world of performance.
Gwendolen’s reaction to her mother’s suggestion of work exposes the depth of her entitlement. The idea of becoming a governess enrages her, not because of the labor itself, but because it represents a complete loss of social standing. Rather than accept a practical solution, she seizes on the possibility of a performance career, placing her hopes on Herr Klesmer.
Themes
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