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Chapter 38
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
Klesmer’s visit to the Meyrick household is an event of great significance, particularly for Mirah, who is eager to establish herself as a singer. Despite Klesmer’s formidable reputation, he treats Mirah with professional courtesy, immediately asking her to sing. She performs with quiet confidence, choosing an emotional Italian piece followed by selections from Faust, impressing her audience but leaving them anxious for Klesmer’s verdict. At first, he offers no praise, merely instructing her to continue. Only after a long pause does he suddenly shake her hand and declare her a musician, before tempering his praise by warning that she is not suited for the grand stage. Instead, he advises her to pursue a career in private drawing rooms, where she could earn a living through concerts and lessons. To everyone’s delight, he invites her to perform at his own home, promising further introductions that could shape her future.
Klesmer’s evaluation of Mirah marks a turning point, not only for her career but for her sense of self-worth. His initial silence creates tension, making his eventual praise feel like a hard-won victory. By acknowledging her as a musician, Klesmer validates her talent while setting clear limits on her potential. His assessment is both a gift and a reality check—she can make a living, but not as a grand performer. The distinction matters. Mirah, who has long struggled with feeling out of place, now has a defined role in the musical world. The invitation to Klesmer’s home signals an entrance into a respectable artistic circle, a space where she can thrive without betraying her values.
Themes
After Klesmer leaves, the family erupts in excitement, celebrating Mirah’s success. However, the practical matter of what she will wear for the concert quickly arises. Mirah suggests wearing her plain black dress, which she considers fitting for a humble singer, but Hans strongly objects. He insists that she must not present herself as a “poor Jewess” but as a talented artist deserving of admiration. Though Mirah protests, Hans persuades Mrs. Meyrick that Mirah should have a proper dress, which reflects her potential rather than her past hardships. Mirah eventually agrees, as she thinks it is what Daniel would want her to do. Hans is jealous that Mirah holds Daniel in such high esteem, though he is glad that she is ultimately taking his advice.
Hans’s insistence on Mirah dressing appropriately reflects his desire to shape her public image, but his motivation goes beyond aesthetics. He resents the idea of her presenting herself as a “poor Jewess” because he sees her as something greater—someone who should be admired rather than pitied. His push for a finer dress is a symbolic rejection of the past Mirah still clings to. Yet his influence only goes so far. Mirah agrees, but her decision is not because of Hans—it is because she believes Daniel would want this for her. This realization deepens Hans’s jealousy, even as he outwardly celebrates her success.
Themes
As the conversation shifts, Hans entertains the family with an exaggerated imitation of Klesmer, but he quickly checks himself, worried that Mirah might disapprove. To his relief, she finds his antics amusing and reassures him that he has never done anything she disliked. Her kind words give Hans a renewed sense of hope, making him believe that she might return his affection. However, beneath his humor and flirtation, he remains conscious of an unspoken rivalry between himself and Daniel.
Hans’s charm wins Mirah’s approval, giving him a fleeting sense of hope. Her reassurance that he has never done anything to displease her is a small but meaningful moment, feeding his belief that he still has a chance with her. However, unlike Mirah, Hans sees the situation clearly—he knows Daniel’s influence over her is something he may never overcome.
Themes
