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Chapter 3
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
Mr. Gascoigne believes Gwendolen is likely to make a brilliant marriage and supports her in presenting herself well in society. However, Gwendolen does not focus on marriage as her ultimate goal. Even though she expects to marry someone important, she finds the idea of being a wife limiting and dull. She prefers to live a life where she is admired but still in control. She does not want to become a housewife with no ambitions of her own. In general, Gwendolen’s family revolves around her, always prioritizing her needs. This attention bolsters her confidence, and she sees herself as capable of shaping her own future. Although Offendene and its surroundings seem relatively ordinary, Gwendolen believes her charm and skills will help her succeed in any situation.
While Mr. Gascoigne views marriage as the pinnacle of success for her, Gwendolen rejects the traditional role of a wife as unappealing and constraining. She sees herself as someone destined for admiration and influence, not subservience. Her family’s constant attention reinforces her belief in her own abilities and fuels her ambition to shape her own destiny. Despite the modest setting of Offendene, Gwendolen remains confident in her ability to rise above her surroundings, relying on her charm and determination to secure the life she desires.
Themes
