Middlemarch, Chapter 49 summary
Chapter 49 of 88 · Book 5: The Dead Hand · 6 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 49, Sir James Chettam condemns Mr. Casaubon’s codicil for linking Dorothea’s name with Ladislaw and urges Mr. Brooke to send the young man away. Brooke resists, partly because Ladislaw helps his political ambitions, while both men support moving Dorothea to Freshitt when her health permits.
What happens
- The day after Casaubon’s burial, Sir James wishes to hide the codicil from Dorothea, but Brooke points to her duties as executrix.
- Sir James proposes keeping business from Dorothea during her illness and bringing her to stay with Celia and the baby.
- He condemns the codicil as an insult that encourages people to suspect Dorothea’s feelings for Ladislaw.
- Brooke defends Ladislaw’s work and independence, resisting proposals to dismiss him or find him an overseas position.
- Brooke argues that removing Ladislaw could itself suggest distrust of Dorothea, leaving Sir James angry but without an agreement.
- Both support Dorothea’s move to Freshitt, while the narrator reveals Brooke’s political reasons for retaining Ladislaw.
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Middlemarch, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Commencez 90 jours gratuitsNothing to pay today. 0,14 USD a day in the first year, then 0,27 USD a day.
In this chapter
What to notice
Brooke argues that removing Ladislaw could imply suspicion of Dorothea rather than protect her. This gives him an argument Sir James cannot deny.
Quick check
Why does Brooke find it inconvenient to part with Ladislaw?
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Middlemarch, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Commencez 90 jours gratuitsNothing to pay today. 0,14 USD a day in the first year, then 0,27 USD a day.
200,000+ classics to read, hear and hold
15-minute summaries today, eBooks and audiobooks as each book opens, and printed books, large print included, at cost.
Try 3 months free
