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Chapter 45
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
Mrs. Meyrick helps Daniel arrange a new home for Mordecai in Brompton, close to her own house, so that Mirah and her brother can live near someone who cares for them. She keeps the plan secret from her daughters and Hans, wanting to avoid unnecessary speculation that might unsettle Mirah. While she trusts Daniel’s judgment, she feels uncertain about Mordecai. His frail health stirs her sympathy, but his intense devotion to Judaism worries her. She had hoped Mirah’s attachment to her heritage would soften over time, making her more open to a future with Hans. Now, she sees Mordecai as someone who might deepen Mirah’s Jewish identity rather than ease it.
Mrs. Meyrick takes practical steps to ensure Mirah and Mordecai can reunite without causing unnecessary tension. Her decision to keep the arrangement secret from Hans and her daughters shows her awareness of how fragile the situation is. She wants to protect Mirah’s emotional state while avoiding conflict, especially since she hoped Mirah would drift away from her Jewish heritage. Mordecai’s presence threatens that possibility, making Mrs. Meyrick uneasy about his influence.
Themes
When Daniel speaks of Mordecai’s idealism, Mrs. Meyrick admits her discomfort with fanaticism. Daniel reassures her that Mordecai is not blind to other perspectives. He describes him as an enthusiast rather than a fanatic, someone whose convictions embrace humanity rather than exclude others. Though unconvinced, Mrs. Meyrick accepts Daniel’s judgment and focuses on making Mordecai’s new home comfortable. She decides to inform her children only the night before the move to avoid unnecessary distress. Daniel agrees, knowing that the transition must be handled delicately.
Mrs. Meyrick sees Mordecai’s idealism as dangerous, fearing that it might consume Mirah’s future. Daniel reassures her that Mordecai’s beliefs are not exclusionary, positioning him as an idealist rather than a fanatic. This conversation draws a line between enthusiasm and extremism, a distinction that matters in how Jewish identity is understood within the novel. Mrs. Meyrick remains skeptical, but she defers to Daniel, who sees value in Mordecai’s vision.
Themes
Before Mordecai moves, Daniel visits him at the Cohens’ home. Once alone, Mordecai greets Daniel with eager anticipation, convinced that Daniel is about to confirm their shared destiny. When Daniel clarifies that he has no revelations about himself, Mordecai’s excitement fades. However, Daniel gradually reveals that he has found Mordecai’s sister. At first, Mordecai reacts with fear, dreading bad news. But when Daniel assures him that Mirah is safe, Mordecai is overcome with emotion.
Mordecai expects Daniel to confirm their shared destiny, but Daniel offers something more tangible: the return of his sister. Mordecai’s initial fear suggests he has prepared himself for loss rather than reunion, making the news overwhelming. His reaction shows how much he has lived in his ideals, but beneath that, he still craves real human connection.
Themes
Daniel proposes that Mordecai move into the new home so that he and Mirah can live together. He insists that Mirah would want to care for her brother, and the arrangement would allow Daniel to visit often. Mordecai listens quietly before agreeing. He sees the decision as part of a greater purpose and believes that their mother would have wished for this reunion. However, he struggles with the idea of leaving the Cohens, who have treated him with kindness. He asks Daniel to explain everything to them, knowing that he lacks the strength to do it himself. When Daniel breaks the news, the family responds with sadness, though they ultimately understand.
Mordecai agrees to the move, but leaving the Cohens is difficult. He has found kindness with them, and despite his devotion to his mission, he is not immune to personal attachments. His request for Daniel to speak for him shows his physical weakness but also his trust in Daniel to handle matters on his behalf. The Cohens’ sadness at his departure reinforces the warmth of their household, showing another side of Jewish life that is rooted in community rather than ideology.
Themes
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