Middlemarch, Chapter 42 summary
Chapter 42 of 88 · Book 4: Three Love Problems · 18 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 42, Mr. Casaubon asks Lydgate about his illness and learns that sudden death is possible, intensifying his fears about Dorothea and Will Ladislaw. His coldness drives Dorothea into bitter anger, but reflection on his suffering restores her compassion, and they end the night together.
What happens
- Mr. Casaubon suspects Will Ladislaw wants to marry Dorothea after his death and considers measures to prevent it.
- Lydgate identifies probable heart disease, explaining that sudden death is possible but many years of life remain possible too.
- Learning that Dorothea already knows the possible outcomes, Mr. Casaubon withdraws and responds coldly to her approach.
- Dorothea retreats upstairs in anger, questioning her marriage, while her husband requests dinner alone in the library.
- Reflection on his suffering overcomes her resentment, and she waits outside her room to meet him.
- Mr. Casaubon greets her gently, and they walk along the corridor holding hands.
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What does Lydgate tell Casaubon about his probable heart disease?
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