Daniel Deronda, Chapter 29 summary
Chapter 29 of 71 · Book 4: Gwendolen Gets Her Choice · 20 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 29, Gwendolen meets Deronda at Diplow and seeks his approval while struggling with her knowledge of Mrs. Glasher and her children. Gossip about his birth sharpens her unease about marrying Grandcourt, and his argument against profiting from others’ losses touches the very conflict she tries to excuse.
What happens
- Grandcourt arranges a visit to Diplow, and Gwendolen suppresses her suspicion about his planned journey.
- At lunch, Gwendolen watches Deronda closely and afterward acknowledges his intervention over her gambling.
- Mrs. Davilow repeats gossip about Deronda’s parentage, prompting Gwendolen to question the unfair treatment of children born outside marriage.
- Gwendolen connects Deronda’s supposed exclusion with Mrs. Glasher and her children, but refuses to abandon her engagement.
- After hunting, she asks Deronda about gambling, and he argues against seeking gains through other people’s losses.
- Grandcourt resents being sent ahead while she speaks to Deronda; his impending journey takes him to Gadsmere.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Deronda rejects helplessness as an excuse for accepting another person’s loss. Gwendolen hears this argument while trying to justify her own marriage.
Quick check
Why does Gwendolen ask Grandcourt to ride ahead after the hunt?
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