Middlemarch, Chapter 74 summary
Chapter 74 of 88 · Book 8: Sunset and Sunrise · 17 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 74, Harriet Bulstrode senses that her husband’s illness conceals a disgrace, and her brother tells her about the scandal surrounding him and Lydgate. Although she feels deceived and cannot dismiss the accusations, she puts aside her finery and joins her husband in grief rather than abandoning him.
What happens
- Women gathered at Mrs. Hackbutt’s discuss the scandal, debate Harriet’s duties, and judge Rosamond more harshly than her aunt.
- Lydgate avoids explaining Bulstrode’s distress, so Harriet visits acquaintances to discover what troubles her husband.
- Hints from Mrs. Hackbutt and Mrs. Plymdale deepen Harriet’s fear, and she seeks out her brother.
- Mr. Vincy explains the scandal while distinguishing public suspicion from what anyone can prove.
- Harriet withdraws to her room, mourns her lost trust and standing, and changes into plain black clothing.
- She approaches Bulstrode tenderly, and they cry together without discussing the accusations or claiming his innocence.
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In this chapter
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Who directly tells Harriet about the scandal?
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