Skip to the content
The Library
of Alexandria
Sign inTry 3 months freeStart free

Daniel Deronda, Chapter 31 summary

Chapter 31 of 71 · Book 4: Gwendolen Gets Her Choice · 12 min to read the chapter

In Chapter 31, Gwendolen Harleth marries Grandcourt, suppresses her guilt, and reaches Ryelands excited by the wealth and importance she expects marriage to bring. A letter from Lydia Glasher accompanying her wedding diamonds revives the promise she breaks, and her confidence collapses into terror when her husband enters.

What happens

  1. Villagers watch the wedding and discuss marriage, while Mrs. Davilow and Anna show sadness amid the celebrations.
  2. Gwendolen treats marriage as a triumph, pushes aside her guilt, and parts affectionately from her mother.
  3. Grandcourt brings Gwendolen to Ryelands, where excitement about her new surroundings gives way to numbness.
  4. Alone in her rooms, Gwendolen opens a diamond case and discovers Lydia Glasher’s accusing letter.
  5. She burns the letter, drops the diamonds, and sits trembling as its accusations repeat in her mind.
  6. Grandcourt enters expecting a happy bride, but Gwendolen screams in terror at the sight of him.

Free for 3 months

Get the full summary of Daniel Deronda, 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
Start freeNothing to pay today. USD 0.14 a day in the first year, then USD 0.27 a day.

In this chapter

GwendolenGrandcourtMrs. Davilow

What to notice

The diamonds promise luxury but carry Lydia’s accusation. Their changed meaning marks the collapse of Gwendolen’s wedding triumph.

Quick check

What does Gwendolen do with Lydia’s letter?

Free for 3 months

Get the full summary of Daniel Deronda, 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
Start freeNothing to pay today. USD 0.14 a day in the first year, then USD 0.27 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