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Chapter 5
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
At Offendene, Gwendolen plans a theatrical performance with her cousins and friends, including her devoted cousin Rex (Anna’s brother), who eagerly supports her. Determined to impress, she selects the role of Hermione from The Winter’s Tale, aiming to showcase her beauty and talent. The family and household assist in preparations, rehearsing scenes and creating costumes. Gwendolen insists on adding a dramatic set piece, where she will descend gracefully as the statue of Hermione brought to life.
Gwendolen’s choice to play Hermione from The Winter’s Tale shows her ambition to present herself as a commanding and elegant figure. In Shakespeare’s play, Hermione is a queen falsely accused of infidelity who is later presented as a statue brought to life, symbolizing grace and endurance. Gwendolen’s selection of this role, along with her demand for a dramatic set piece, shows her intent to craft an image of herself as extraordinary and worthy of admiration.
Themes
On the evening of the performance, the house fills with excitement as the guests gather. Gwendolen stands elevated on a small platform, dressed in a striking Greek-inspired costume. Meanwhile, Herr Klesmer plays the piano to accompany the scene. As the climactic moment arrives, Gwendolen prepares to step forward, but suddenly, a hidden panel in the room flies open. It reveals a disturbing painting of a dead face and a fleeing figure, illuminated eerily by the room’s lights. The audience gasps, but Gwendolen’s reaction draws the most attention. Frozen with terror, she lets out a piercing cry, her expression one of pure fear. Mrs. Davilow and Rex quickly come to her aid, and with their help, she regains composure and leaves the room.
The hidden panel and disturbing painting interrupt Gwendolen’s attempt at a triumphant moment, exposing her to an audience in an unprepared and vulnerable state. Her scream and frozen reaction contrast sharply with the composed and theatrical image she intended to present. This moment disrupts the carefully orchestrated performance and shifts the focus from her planned grandeur to an unintentional display of fear. Meanwhile, the reactions of Mrs. Davilow and Rex shows their protective instincts and their continued willingness to shield Gwendolen, even when her carefully constructed image falters.
Themes
The sudden interruption leaves the guests speculating about the mysterious panel and its contents. Some suggest logical explanations, while others whisper about supernatural causes. Gwendolen later returns to the gathering, composed and determined to downplay the incident. Herr Klesmer tactfully praises her reaction as brilliant acting, and Gwendolen seizes the compliment as validation, though she remains shaken. The next morning, the mystery of the panel’s opening is resolved when Isabel confesses to having unlocked the panel earlier in the day and failing to relock it. Isabel apologizes and Gwendolen forgives her, eager to put the incident behind them.
Herr Klesmer’s praise offers Gwendolen an opportunity to reinterpret the embarrassing moment as part of her performance, which she readily accepts. Isabel’s confession about the unlocked panel resolves the practical mystery but leaves Gwendolen eager to distance herself from the incident. Her willingness to forgive Isabel highlights her desire to move past the event and restore her position of control within the household.
Themes
Privately, Gwendolen is upset with how she reacted. She always wants to appear in control, and she does not like how everyone saw her in a vulnerable moment. While she tries to dismiss it as a rare moment of weakness, the memory lingers, troubling her sense of self. However, Rex interprets her vulnerability as proof of her depth and charm, further solidifying his infatuation with her. To him, Gwendolen’s every action, even in moments of distress, confirms her uniqueness and reinforces his unwavering devotion.
Privately, Gwendolen struggles with the memory of her reaction, which clashes with her need to appear confident and composed at all times. She views her display of fear as a failure and is unsettled by how easily her image was disrupted. Meanwhile, Rex interprets her vulnerability as a sign of her emotional depth, deepening his infatuation with her. His idealized perception of Gwendolen blinds him to the reality of her struggles.
Themes
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