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Chapter 63
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
After Mrs. Davilow joins Gwendolen in Genoa, the young widow becomes determined to leave the city, feeling its beauty amplifies her inner torment. Gwendolen clings to her mother for comfort, confessing feelings of guilt and past wickedness, though she avoids mentioning Grandcourt directly. Despite her anguish, she resolves to act wisely and make her mother happy, insisting on handling decisions about her husband’s bequest without interference. Mrs. Davilow, though concerned, refrains from pressing Gwendolen further.
Gwendolen feels trapped in Genoa, unable to escape the weight of Grandcourt’s death. The city’s beauty does nothing to ease her turmoil, making her desperate to leave. Turning to her mother for comfort shows how much she has lost the independence she once valued. Though she speaks of acting wisely, she is still unsure of how to move forward.
Themes
Meanwhile, Sir Hugo and Mr. Gascoigne discuss the terms of Grandcourt’s will. Grandcourt’s estates and wealth are left to his illegitimate son, leaving Gwendolen with only a modest income and a house in Gadsmere. Sir Hugo expresses disappointment at Grandcourt’s lack of generosity toward his wife, while Mr. Gascoigne feels the humiliation keenly, especially for how it reflects on Gwendolen and her family. However, Gwendolen surprises her mother by revealing she already knows the will’s terms.
The discussion of Grandcourt’s will treats Gwendolen’s suffering as a legal issue rather than a personal loss. Sir Hugo and Mr. Gascoigne focus on financial consequences, but for Gwendolen, the will confirms what she already knew: she was never meant to have power over Grandcourt’s life or fortune. Her lack of reaction suggests resignation rather than shock, as if she had already accepted this outcome.
Themes
As the group journeys back to England, Gwendolen remains withdrawn, contemplating her future and grappling with her remorse. She resolves to consult Daniel about the morality of accepting any money at all from Grandcourt, feeling a deep need for his guidance. Gwendolen asks Sir Hugo to contact Daniel, signaling her determination to seek his counsel despite the potential for misunderstanding from others. Sir Hugo, perceiving her strong attachment to Daniel, agrees to reach out to him, while internally speculating about their future.
Gwendolen sees Daniel as the only person who can help her decide what to do next. She frames her question about the inheritance as a moral dilemma, needing his judgment to validate her choices. Sir Hugo recognizes her attachment to Daniel and doubts whether it will lead anywhere, but he agrees to contact him, knowing she will not stop seeking his guidance.
Themes
