Daniel Deronda

Daniel tells Sir Hugo that he has offered Grandcourt a large sum to give up his inheritance, but Grandcourt has not responded definitively. Amused by Daniel’s involvement with Gwendolen, Sir Hugo teases him about his tendency to attract women. Daniel, uncomfortable with the remark, insists he does not flirt, but Sir Hugo’s words stay with him. Determined to avoid misunderstandings, he decides to be more guarded in his interactions, especially when visiting Mrs. Meyrick and Mirah. Meanwhile, Mrs. Meyrick has written to him about Mirah’s growing bond with their family, describing her presence as almost magical. The Meyrick sisters, though affectionate toward Mirah, quietly hope she might distance herself from Judaism. Despite their curiosity, they respect her devotion and recognize that her faith shapes her identity.

Mirah’s presence sparks a shift in Daniel’s perception of Judaism. Once seeing it as an archaic tradition, he now realizes that it still shapes real human lives. This realization pushes him to visit a synagogue in Frankfurt, where the prayers and chants stir something deep within him. The communal movement and ancient rhythms fill him with an unexpected sense of belonging. However, an elderly Jewish man disrupts this moment by abruptly asking about Daniel’s mother. Shocked and uncomfortable, Daniel asserts his English identity and quickly removes himself from the conversation. The man’s question lingers, reinforcing Daniel’s uncertainty about his origins.

Back in England, Daniel visits Mirah at the Meyricks’ home and finds her content and at peace, a stark contrast to the desperate girl he first encountered. She expresses her deep gratitude for his kindness, insisting that he, not fate, saved her. Their conversation turns to her lost family, and she reveals that while she dreads meeting her father, she longs to find her mother and brother. Her unwavering commitment to Judaism becomes clear when she speaks passionately about her refusal to abandon her people. Mrs. Meyrick, meaning no harm, speculates that if all Jewish people adopted Christianity, the persecution of Jewish people would disappear. The remark wounds Mirah, who insists that she will never separate herself from her mother’s faith. Her devotion moves Daniel, who recognizes in her the same spirit that has driven persecuted Jewish people to preserve their identity against all odds.

Mirah sings for Daniel, first a classical piece, then a Hebrew lullaby from her childhood. Her voice, soft but filled with emotion, captivates him. He admires not just her beauty but the depth of feeling she brings to everything she does. Still, he understands that her strong ties to her heritage could make any romantic connection impossible. This realization strengthens his resolve to keep his emotions in check, especially with Hans returning soon. He worries that Hans, with his impulsive nature, might fall for Mirah and disrupt the fragile stability of her new life.

As he leaves, Daniel struggles with the implications of his growing connection to Mirah. He feels proud of having rescued her, but he fears that any deeper involvement could jeopardize her newfound security. Determined to act responsibly, he reminds himself that her happiness must come before his own feelings. At the same time, he cannot ignore the unease about his origins. He hesitates to search for his mother and delays looking for Mirah’s family, afraid of uncovering truths that could upend his life. He tells himself he will wait until after Christmas, using the calendar as a convenient excuse to put off confronting difficult questions.