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Chapter 2
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
One year prior to the events in Leubronn, Gwendolen, Mrs. Davilow, and Gwendolen’s four younger half-sisters move into Offendene, a modest house near Pennicote Rectory, where Mrs. Davilow’s brother-in-law, Mr. Gascoigne, is the rector. The family left behind a more unstable lifestyle of rented apartments and frequent moves, and this new home is meant to provide stability. Gwendolen, always the center of attention in the family, approaches the house critically, evaluating its potential to suit her ambitions.
The move to Offendene marks a shift in the Davilow family’s lifestyle, offering stability after years of transience. For Gwendolen, the house is not just a home but a setting where she can assert her influence. Her critical assessment of Offendene shows her focus on how it can serve her ambitions, positioning herself as the center of the family’s attention and decisions.
Themes
Once they arrive, Gwendolen immediately takes charge, exploring the house while the rest of the family waits for her reaction. She inspects each room, noting its layout and the furniture. While they are settling in, the family receives a visit from Mr. Gascoigne and Mrs. Gascoigne, along with their daughter, Anna. Mr. Gascoigne is a confident man with a commanding presence, while Mrs. Gascoigne is more reserved but supportive. Anna is quiet and timid, especially compared to Gwendolen. Gwendolen is polite to her relatives and tries to impress them, ensuring their admiration. She strikes up a conversation with Anna, learning about her life and the local society. Anna speaks of her brothers, Rex and Warham, and mentions the various families and events in the area.
Gwendolen’s social interactions with the Gascoignes show her ability to charm and impress. She engages with Anna to learn about local society, quickly positioning herself as someone who can navigate these new social dynamics. The contrast between Gwendolen’s confidence and Anna’s timidity establishes Gwendolen’s dominance in their relationship while also introducing her to a broader network that may shape her future.
Themes
During the visit, Mrs. Davilow and Mr. Gascoigne have a conversation about finances. As part of their talk, Gwendolen expresses a strong desire to have a horse for riding. She explains that she has taken lessons and is a capable rider. Mr. Gascoigne is hesitant at first, pointing out the cost, but Mrs. Davilow supports her daughter’s request. Mrs. Davilow is using Gwendolen to give her younger sisters lessons instead of hiring a governess, so she feels Gwendolen deserves the horse. Mr. Gascoigne ultimately agrees to look into it, recognizing the benefit of indulging Gwendolen to some extent.
Gwendolen’s insistence on owning a horse demonstrates her resourcefulness and determination. By presenting her request as practical and tied to her abilities, she secures support from her mother and forces Mr. Gascoigne to consider it. This exchange shows Gwendolen’s ability to control conversations and prioritize her desires, with her mother’s encouragement reinforcing her sense of entitlement.
Themes
That evening, Gwendolen plays the piano for her relatives, further ensuring their admiration. She sings and even convinces her uncle to join her in a duet. Afterward, Mr. Gascoigne and Mrs. Gascoigne privately discuss Gwendolen’s future. Mr. Gascoigne sees her as someone with potential for a good marriage and believes they should support her ambitions. Mrs. Gascoigne expresses mild concern about Gwendolen’s strong personality and the possibility of romantic entanglements with her cousins, but her husband dismisses these worries, confident that such matters can be handled practically.
Gwendolen’s performance on the piano serves as another way for her to command attention and admiration. Her uncle’s willingness to join her duet shows the extent of her influence, even over those with strong personalities. The private discussion between Mr. and Mrs. Gascoigne introduces differing opinions about Gwendolen’s future. While her uncle sees her as a potential asset through marriage, her aunt’s concerns point to potential challenges arising from Gwendolen’s assertive nature.
Themes
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