Middlemarch, Chapter 22 summary
Chapter 22 of 88 · Book 2: Old and Young · 22 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 22, Will Ladislaw brings the Casaubons to Adolf Naumann’s studio, where portraits flatter Mr. Casaubon and deepen Will’s fascination with Dorothea. During a private visit, Will questions her husband’s scholarship and announces his own independence, but Dorothea defends her husband and secures Will’s promise to stop criticizing his work.
What happens
- Will pleases both Casaubons at dinner and arranges visits to artists’ studios before they leave Rome.
- Naumann sketches Mr. Casaubon as Thomas Aquinas and Dorothea as Santa Clara, while Will struggles with jealousy.
- Will visits Dorothea alone, debates the value of art with her, and protests against her life at Lowick.
- Dorothea questions Will about German scholarship, then rebukes his dismissive account of her husband’s research.
- Will announces plans for financial independence, and Dorothea obtains his promise not to criticize Mr. Casaubon’s writings to others.
- Mr. Casaubon declines another farewell and responds coldly when Dorothea praises Will’s decision.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Dorothea defends sustained effort even while confronting possible failure in her husband’s work. Her response also prompts Will to announce his resolve to support himself.
Quick check
What promise does Dorothea obtain from Will?
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