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Chapter 36
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
Daniel returns to town later than expected and stays at Sir Hugo’s residence in Park Lane while Hans takes over his chambers. He finds his sitting room turned into an artist’s studio, filled with sketches and artifacts from Hans’s travels. Hans, excited about his latest project, eagerly shows Daniel a series of paintings depicting the story of Berenice, the Jewish queen who loved and later lost the Roman emperor Titus. As Daniel studies the sketches, he immediately recognizes Mirah’s likeness in them. Hans confirms that she modeled for him, believing her to be the perfect face for his heroine. The revelation unsettles Daniel, who insists that Hans abandon the idea. He argues that Mirah’s face should not appear in such a role, especially when she stands on the brink of a professional singing career.
Hans’s choice to model Mirah as Berenice transforms her into an idealized figure rather than a person, unsettling Daniel. The parallel between Berenice, the Jewish queen rejected by Titus, and Mirah, who clings to her faith despite outside pressures, strikes a nerve. Daniel’s insistence that Hans abandon the project suggests more than just concern for Mirah’s reputation—it hints at a possessiveness he is not yet willing to acknowledge. Mirah’s face, to him, is not just an artistic subject but a symbol of something personal, something that should not be repurposed for another man’s romantic vision.
Themes
Hans laughs off Daniel’s concern, dismissing the idea that his paintings could ever attract enough attention to create a problem. Still, Daniel presses him, warning that Mirah deserves protection from any unnecessary exposure. Hans, despite his usual irreverence, finally agrees to drop the project. Their conversation shifts when Hans suddenly confesses his love for Mirah, insisting that he intends to win her heart. Daniel reacts with disbelief, warning that Mirah’s devotion to her faith would prevent her from marrying a Christian. Undeterred, Hans playfully suggests that Mirah will eventually reconsider. Daniel, troubled by this, finds himself grappling with an unfamiliar jealousy, though he refuses to acknowledge it.
Hans’s confession of love forces Daniel to confront an emotion he has long suppressed. Until now, he has acted as Mirah’s protector, guiding her future but never considering his own attachment. Hans, in contrast, pursues her openly, believing his charm and irreverence can win her over. Daniel’s response is both pragmatic and deeply personal, as he warns Hans that Mirah’s faith will not bend, but his reaction is laced with something closer to jealousy.
Themes
At the Meyrick household, Daniel sees a livelier Mirah, who laughs for the first time in his presence. She speaks warmly of Hans’s impersonations and the joy of living in a home filled with affection. Mrs. Meyrick credits Hans for her improved spirits, while Mirah expresses gratitude for the warmth she has found, contrasting it with the loneliness of her past. Daniel, unsettled by the ease between Hans and Mirah, focuses on practical matters. He informs her that he has arranged for Klesmer to hear her sing and possibly assist her career. He also reveals that Lady Mallinger wants to introduce her to potential students, offering her a real opportunity for financial independence.
Mirah’s newfound joy in the Meyrick household complicates Daniel’s emotions further. She belongs in this warm environment, finding laughter and comfort in ways that contrast starkly with her past struggles. Yet Daniel cannot separate her happiness from the practicalities of her future. His insistence on securing her professional independence suggests both genuine care and an attempt to maintain distance. If Mirah sees Hans as a source of joy, Daniel can still be the one who ensures her survival, even if that means pushing aside personal desires.
Themes
As their conversation continues, Daniel watches Mirah with a new awareness. She firmly asserts her Jewish identity, rejecting the idea of changing her name. Her conviction stirs something in him, forcing him to confront his own uncertainties about his origins. Though he has spent much of his life avoiding the question, recent experiences have intensified his need for answers. He longs for a clear purpose, but the mystery of his birth holds him back. Despite always being the one others look up to, he has never found a confidant for his own struggles. The weight of these unresolved questions, combined with his conflicted feelings about Mirah and Hans, leaves him more uncertain than ever about his place in the world.
Mirah’s unwavering commitment to her Jewish identity forces Daniel to confront his own rootlessness. He has long resisted defining himself by religion or heritage, yet Mirah’s certainty shakes him. She knows exactly who she is, while he remains in limbo, unable to claim a past or fully embrace a future. The more he helps others—Mirah, Gwendolen, even Hans—the more he realizes how little clarity he has for himself. This growing awareness, combined with his discomfort over Hans’s intentions, leaves him questioning not just his relationship with Mirah but his entire sense of belonging.
Themes
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