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Chapter 62
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 returns to England with a newfound clarity about his identity and purpose. Having discovered his Jewish ancestry and resolved to embrace it fully, he feels a renewed sense of belonging and direction. His journey has transformed uncertainty into certainty, both about his lineage and his feelings for Mirah, who has quietly occupied a special place in his heart. He goes directly to the Brompton home to share the news with Mordecai and Mirah, driven by a desire to reconnect with them.
Daniel’s return to England marks a shift in his identity, as he is no longer searching for answers but carrying the weight of the ones he has found. His Jewish heritage is no longer an abstract possibility but a concrete reality that gives him both purpose and responsibility. Coming back to the Brompton home is not just about reuniting with friends but about stepping into the life he has chosen.
Themes
Upon arrival, Daniel finds Mordecai and Mirah emotionally strained from the day’s earlier encounter with Lapidoth. However, Daniel’s presence brings a profound sense of relief and joy. Daniel announces his discovery, affirming his shared Jewish identity with Mordecai and expressing his dedication to the Jewish people. Overwhelmed with happiness, Mordecai sees Daniel’s revelation as a fulfillment of his hopes, while Mirah quietly absorbs the moment, torn between relief, admiration, and a budding sense of personal connection.
Mordecai’s overwhelming joy at Daniel’s return reaffirms his belief that fate has brought them together. His reaction is emotional, but it is also a confirmation that Daniel’s decision fulfills a larger vision. However, Mirah is more reserved. She absorbs the moment quietly, sensing that this revelation cements Daniel’s path in ways that may affect her as well.
Themes
As the evening progresses, Daniel wrestles with his feelings for Mirah, hesitant to express his love due to the complexities of their relationship. He fears that Mirah, bound by gratitude and their shared responsibilities toward Mordecai, might misinterpret his romantic intentions as a misguided claim rather than genuine affection. Meanwhile, Mirah is left in quiet contemplation, her feelings for Daniel deepening yet clouded by uncertainty and lingering concerns about Gwendolen’s influence.
Daniel hesitates to express his feelings for Mirah, knowing that love cannot be separated from the responsibilities they both carry. He fears that Mirah’s gratitude and their shared devotion to Mordecai could complicate their relationship, making it difficult to know whether her affection would be freely given or simply a natural extension of their bond. Mirah, meanwhile, is left in quiet contemplation, aware of her own feelings but unsure of what Daniel’s transformation means for them.
Themes
