Mary, Chapter 13 summary
Chapter 13 of 31 · 3 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 13, Mary resumes solitary outings, feels deeply moved by Henry’s praise, and turns her attention toward the people and institutions around her. Her visits to convents sharpen a distinction between outward religious practice and active kindness, as she condemns the community’s selfishness but helps individual members whose troubles she learns.
What happens
- As the weather clears, Mary rides to earthquake ruins and the Tagus, and visits churches to see historical paintings.
- During a discussion of portraits, Henry praises Mary’s expression when she supports her friend.
- His compliment moves Mary, but remembering an earlier portrait makes her resent being given to a boy along with property.
- Mary visits convents and sees religious ceremonies existing alongside selfish ambition and harmful passions.
- The narrator argues that religious retreat can deepen grief by cutting off conversation and fresh attachments.
- Mary dislikes the convent community but feels pity for individual members and gives them help.
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What expression does Henry want Mary’s portrait to show?
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