Daniel Deronda, Chapter 63 summary

What happens

1. Deronda returns with certainty about his ancestry and love for Mirah, then goes directly to the siblings’ lodgings.
2. He finds Mirah and Mordecai grieving after their father’s visit and announces his Jewish identity.
3. Deronda offers his grandfather’s manuscripts for shared study and pledges to work toward Jewish unity.
4. Mordecai welcomes their spiritual union, but Deronda resists absorbing his writings without preserving their authorship.
5. Mordecai postpones discussing their sorrow, and Mirah leaves as Deronda prepares to transfer the chest.
6. Deronda fears imposing on Mirah through her gratitude, while she senses new possibilities but remains jealous of Mrs. Grandcourt.

In this chapter

What to notice

Deronda makes effort, rather than guaranteed success, the measure of his commitment. His statement turns sympathy with Mordecai into an explicit promise of action.

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