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Chapter 43
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
Gwendolen spends much of her time thinking about Daniel, wondering about his thoughts and how he spends his days. Despite her growing sense of inferiority, she assumes she occupies a significant place in his mind, misinterpreting his kindness as deep personal concern. Wanting to improve herself according to his advice, she selects several classic philosophical works to read but struggles to find time for them. Her life as Mrs. Grandcourt is dominated by maintaining an appearance of perfect composure, despite the silent battle of wills between herself and her husband. Grandcourt, having detected traces of resistance in her, exercises increasing control, and Gwendolen, though miserable, refuses to reveal any weakness to the world. She spends her energy maintaining an outward image of success, even as she secretly relies on Daniel as her only moral anchor.
Gwendolen’s fixation on Daniel stems from her deep dissatisfaction with her marriage. She sees him as the only person capable of understanding her struggles, even though she misinterprets his concern as something more personal. Her attempt to engage with philosophy reflects her desire for self-improvement, but the realities of her life prevent any real progress. She has no space for intellectual or moral growth, as every moment is spent maintaining the illusion of a contented wife. Grandcourt, sensing her inner resistance, tightens his control, making any form of rebellion impossible.
Themes
Gwendolen’s primary concern is shielding Mrs. Davilow from the truth of her marriage. Though Grandcourt provides financially for Mrs. Davilow, he treats her as though she is inferior. As such, Gwendolen rarely invites her to stay with them. She also downplays their separation, claiming that proximity to the Gascoignes is better for her mother than a house near Ryelands. Gwendolen longs to be with her family, a feeling that only intensifies when, one day, she decides to visit Offendene.
Gwendolen’s relationship with Mrs. Davilow highlights her need to protect at least one person from the truth. She convinces herself that keeping her mother at a distance is an act of care rather than avoidance. However, her brief return to Offendene exposes the emptiness of this belief. The ease with which she gives her mother money is less an act of generosity than a desperate attempt to assert some agency.
Themes
During Gwendolen’s visit, Mr. Gascoigne urges her to persuade Grandcourt to enter politics, believing it would elevate his status. Gwendolen finds his suggestion bitterly ironic, knowing that she has no influence over her husband and that Grandcourt would scoff at the very idea of making speeches. Meanwhile, Mrs. Davilow shares news of securing a modest new home, and Gwendolen, suddenly overwhelmed with guilt, slips her mother 30 pounds for her sisters. The realization that her mother’s comfort depends on Grandcourt’s money unsettles her, but she quickly suppresses her emotions, reminding herself that she must uphold the role she has chosen.
Mr. Gascoigne’s suggestion that Gwendolen encourage Grandcourt to enter politics only reinforces how little power she actually holds. The idea of presenting her husband as a public figure is laughable, considering that she has no influence over him in private. The irony deepens when she recognizes that her mother’s security depends on Grandcourt’s continued financial support. She wants to believe she can protect her family, but the reality is that she has lost control of her own life.
Themes
As she leaves Offendene, Gwendolen’s thoughts shift to Grandcourt’s absence. She suspects that Grandcourt has gone to Gadsmere to see Lydia and her children. Though Gwendolen had once resolved to fight for their welfare, the thought of him attending to them fills her with searing humiliation. Even though she feels bad for marrying Grandcourt, her greatest fear remains public disgrace. She clings to the hope that Lydia will keep their shared secret.
The thought of Grandcourt visiting Lydia is a final humiliation. Gwendolen had once imagined herself taking a moral stand, ensuring that Lydia and her children were provided for, but now that prospect sickens her. Her anger is not at the injustice of the situation but at her own helplessness. She is trapped in the very fate she once thought she could manipulate to her advantage, and the only thing left to cling to is the illusion that her suffering will remain private.
Themes
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