Previous
Chapter 66
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 from the Abbey to find Lapidoth residing in Mirah’s Brompton lodgings. Mirah had informed her father about Daniel, though she softened the details of his aid, omitting how he rescued her from drowning and presenting his involvement as arising through the Meyricks. Aware of Daniel’s prominence, Lapidoth interprets the relationship as something he can take advantage of, particularly if Daniel harbors feelings for Mirah.
Lapidoth sees Daniel as an opportunity rather than a person, interpreting his presence as something to exploit. His assumption that Daniel’s interest in Mirah could benefit him financially shows how little he understands the relationships around him. Mirah, aware of her father’s manipulative nature, tries to control the narrative by downplaying Daniel’s role in her life.
Themes
Striving to endure his father’s presence, Mordecai explains to Daniel the arrangements: Lapidoth receives food and shelter, but they deny him money to prevent his self-destructive behavior. Lapidoth tries to ingratiate himself by offering to transcribe manuscripts for Daniel. Daniel cautiously accepts, hoping this reflects some willingness to reform, but Mordecai insists the work remain under his supervision. Lapidoth’s restlessness and ingrained habits strain the household, with Mirah often intervening to ease Mordecai’s burden by keeping their father occupied elsewhere.
Mordecai’s careful approach to Lapidoth reflects both his kindness and his realism. He refuses to abandon their father entirely but sets strict limits to prevent him from causing harm. Offering food and shelter without money removes the possibility of self-destruction while keeping the family’s integrity intact. Lapidoth’s attempt to ingratiate himself with Daniel by offering to transcribe manuscripts is another calculated move, but Mordecai ensures that even this remains under supervision.
Themes
Later, Daniel visits Hans, intending to share news of his Jewish heritage and future plans. When he sees Daniel, Hans reveals that he has been struggling emotionally, experimenting with opium, and grappling with unfulfilled desires. Meanwhile, Daniel explains his background, emphasizing his newfound purpose and dedication to Jewish causes. The conversation turns tense as Hans hints at romantic rivalry over Mirah. Daniel clarifies that he has no evidence of her reciprocating his feelings, but Hans counters, declaring that Mirah’s jealousy of Gwendolen suggests she loves Daniel. This revelation stirs hope in Daniel, though he remains cautious. Despite his frustration, Hans gives Daniel his blessing to romantically pursue Mirah.
Daniel’s conversation with Hans brings long-standing tensions to the surface. Hans’s struggle with addiction and unfulfilled desires contrasts with Daniel’s growing sense of purpose. His bitterness over Mirah is evident, but rather than openly confronting Daniel, he hints at what he perceives as an inevitable outcome. Daniel, still unsure of Mirah’s feelings, does not claim any right to her affections, but Hans’s remark about her jealousy gives him a new perspective. This moment introduces a shift: Daniel, who has spent so much time focused on duty and heritage, begins to consider that Mirah’s emotions may align with his own.
Themes
