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Chapter 59
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 arrives in Mainz and meets Joseph Kalonymos, the elderly banker who had safeguarded his grandfather’s chest. Kalonymos immediately recognizes Daniel and expresses satisfaction that he has embraced his heritage rather than rejecting it. He recounts his lifelong bond with Charisi, Daniel’s grandfather, emphasizing their shared vow of loyalty and duty. Kalonymos then presents Daniel with the ornate chest, fulfilling his promise to protect what Charisi left for his grandson. As they speak, Daniel feels deeply connected to his ancestry, moved by the realization that his grandfather had long hoped for his return to the Jewish community.
Daniel’s meeting with Joseph Kalonymos marks a significant step in his transition from uncertainty to belonging. Unlike Sir Hugo, Kalonymos does not see Daniel’s Jewish heritage as a complication but as something to be honored. His immediate recognition of Daniel suggests that identity is not just about personal discovery but about being recognized and claimed by others. Receiving the chest from his grandfather confirms that Daniel’s heritage was not lost but waiting for him, reinforcing the idea that he is stepping into a legacy rather than forging something entirely new.
Themes
Their conversation shifts to Charisi’s beliefs and intellectual pursuits. Kalonymos describes him as a man of strong will and deep learning who was passionately dedicated to preserving Jewish identity while engaging with the broader world. In turn, Daniel acknowledges his commitment to his newfound heritage but admits that his beliefs may not fully align with traditional Jewish thought. Instead, he resolves to dedicate himself to the betterment of his people, embracing the balance between cultural separateness and meaningful interaction with others. Satisfied that Charisi’s legacy will continue, Kalonymos gives Daniel his blessing. Then, Daniel returns to London.
Kalonymos’s account of Daniel’s grandfather presents a model of intellectual and cultural engagement that aligns with Daniel’s own instincts. Charisi was both deeply connected to Jewish tradition and actively engaged with the wider world, showing that embracing heritage does not require isolation. Daniel’s own commitment to Jewish causes takes shape in response to this, not as blind acceptance but as a conscious decision to dedicate himself to something larger than personal identity. Kalonymos’s blessing reinforces the idea that Daniel is not just reconnecting with his past but stepping into a role that was always meant for him.
Themes
