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Chapter 46
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 prepares Mordecai for his meeting with Mirah, ensuring he has new clothes that will make him appear dignified and ease any concerns from the Meyricks. He briefly questions whether he is doing the right thing, wondering if Mirah would see honor in her brother’s struggles rather than feeling disturbed by them. Meanwhile, Mrs. Meyrick shares the news with her children. Hans, in particular, resents the revelation, fearing that Mordecai’s arrival will change Mirah, pulling her deeper into her Jewish identity and away from their circle. Mrs. Meyrick also tells Mirah about Mordecai’s existence and tells her to prepare.
Daniel prioritizes Mordecai’s dignity, knowing that appearances shape perception. His moment of doubt suggests he understands that Mirah’s reaction will define the success of this reunion. Hans’s resentment shows his awareness that Mordecai’s presence threatens his hopes for Mirah, reinforcing how cultural identity can divide personal relationships. Mrs. Meyrick, despite her pragmatism, shares Hans’s concern, showing that even well-meaning outsiders struggle with accepting Jewish devotion when it conflicts with their expectations.
Themes
When the moment finally arrives, Mirah chooses to dress modestly, wanting to match Mordecai rather than appear superior. As she enters the room, she and Mordecai immediately recognize each other, their emotions overwhelming any need for words. Mirah embraces him with childlike affection, and he tenderly acknowledges her as the sister he has longed for. Though he admits his failing health, Mirah insists that she will care for him and learn from him. Daniel, sensing that the siblings need time alone, quietly leads Mrs. Meyrick away, leaving them to reconnect without interruption.
Mirah’s choice to dress modestly signals her desire to meet Mordecai as an equal rather than reinforce their different life experiences. Their immediate recognition of each other suggests that shared heritage and memory transcend physical change and distance. Mordecai’s frailty does not diminish his authority in Mirah’s eyes, and her willingness to learn from him reinforces her growing sense of identity.
Themes
