Daniel Deronda, Chapter 27 summary

What happens

1. Gwendolen dresses to refuse Grandcourt while privately reconsidering her promise to Mrs. Glasher and her disgust at his past.
2. Grandcourt arrives, and Gwendolen struggles to reject his advances or explain the woman who stands between them.
3. When he offers to leave, she delays an answer by explaining her mother's financial losses.
4. His offer to provide for Mrs. Davilow weakens her resistance, and she accepts marriage.
5. Gwendolen enjoys the prospect of riding Criterion and secures Grandcourt's agreement to remove Mr. Lush from her company.
6. She tells her mother about the engagement and declares their unwelcome plans unnecessary.

In this chapter

What to notice

Gwendolen's refusal to dismiss Grandcourt reveals her dependence on the escape he offers. Her intended rejection gives way to a need to keep him.

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