Daniel Deronda, Chapter 56 summary
Chapter 56 of 71 · Book 7: The Mother and the Son · 18 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 56, Gwendolen confesses to Deronda that she briefly withholds a rope while Grandcourt struggles in the water, then jumps in wanting to save him. Deronda believes her remorse shows a capacity for change, but he refuses to offer easy comfort or withdraw his support.
What happens
- Deronda stays ready to help Gwendolen overnight and obtains the rescuing fishermen’s account of Grandcourt’s drowning.
- Gwendolen summons him and begs to confess without having her guilt exposed to others.
- She describes murderous wishes and a sharp object she locks away, while Deronda silently promises support by holding her hand.
- She explains that Grandcourt falls overboard during a gust, and she briefly withholds the rope before jumping into the water.
- Deronda doubts that her hesitation determines the death, values her remorse, and leaves her in an attendant’s care to rest.
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In this chapter
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What does Gwendolen say she does when Grandcourt calls for the rope?
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