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Chapter 27
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
The news of Gwendolen’s engagement spreads quickly, and that evening, the Gascoignes visit Offendene to congratulate her. Mr. Gascoigne praises Grandcourt’s generosity, as he has offered to support Mrs. Davilow in her time of need. Mrs. Gascoigne reminds Gwendolen that she could have been engaged earlier if not for her hesitation and insists that a woman owes gratitude to a man who persists in offering marriage. Gwendolen responds lightly, saying she does not know how she is supposed to feel. Anna struggles with her emotions, having secretly hoped Gwendolen might end up with Rex. The conversation turns to Grandcourt’s wealth, his estates, and the possibility that he will one day be a Lord. The evening ends with Gwendolen remaining quiet, and later that night, she lies awake and wonders whether she made the wrong decision.
The Gascoignes’ visit reinforces the social expectations that Gwendolen has been unable to escape. Mr. Gascoigne focuses on Grandcourt’s generosity, reducing the engagement to a transaction that benefits the family. Mrs. Gascoigne’s remark about gratitude toward a persistent suitor reveals her rigid view of marriage as something a woman must accept rather than choose. Gwendolen masks her uncertainty with humor, but Anna’s quiet disappointment lingers as a reminder of what Gwendolen has sacrificed. The evening, filled with discussions of status and wealth, ends with Gwendolen withdrawn, already questioning the choice she has made.
Themes
In the morning, Gwendolen receives a gift from Grandcourt: a diamond ring, a note instructing her to wear it as a sign of their betrothal, and a cheque for five hundred pounds. Mrs. Davilow, though touched by his generosity, expresses discomfort about relying on him financially. Gwendolen reacts angrily, insisting that they must accept his support. She tries to justify her choice by telling herself that she might be able to help Lydia’s children and that she will have control over her marriage. Despite lingering doubts, she commits to moving forward and puts on the ring.
Grandcourt’s gifts serve as a tangible display of his control. The diamond ring, accompanied by direct instructions, turns the engagement into a performance of ownership. The cheque, meant as generosity, unsettles Mrs. Davilow, but Gwendolen refuses to acknowledge any discomfort. She clings to the idea that marriage will give her power, convincing herself that she might use it to help Lydia’s children.
Themes
Meanwhile, at Diplow, Lush senses that his position is at risk. When he asks about the wedding, Grandcourt confirms it will happen in three weeks and then bluntly tells Lush to leave, offering him an allowance but requiring him to live in London. Realizing he has lost influence, Lush writes to Sir Hugo, suggesting that Daniel visit Diplow to persuade Grandcourt to sell the estate. Sir Hugo agrees and asks Daniel to go. Though reluctant, Daniel accepts, curious about Gwendolen’s engagement and suspecting she is marrying out of desperation. Upon receiving Daniel’s letter, Grandcourt assumes Sir Hugo is after Diplow but also enjoys the idea of Daniel witnessing his success in securing Gwendolen. Confident in his control, he looks forward to the visit.
Lush, sensing his irrelevance, scrambles to secure his position through Sir Hugo. Grandcourt, unbothered, dismisses him without emotion, reducing him to another tool that has outlived its usefulness. His willingness to exile Lush without conflict only reinforces his confidence. When he learns of Daniel’s visit, he assumes Sir Hugo wants Diplow but takes pleasure in the idea of Daniel witnessing his triumph over Gwendolen. His reaction shows that securing the marriage is not about love or companionship. Rather, it is about solidifying his dominance, both over Gwendolen and those who might have once stood in his way.
Themes
