Middlemarch, Chapter 29 summary
Chapter 29 of 88 · Book 3: Waiting for Death · 13 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 29, Dorothea protests when Edward Casaubon assumes she wants a visit from Mr. Ladislaw despite his objections, exposing the resentment beneath their daily work together. When Casaubon suddenly struggles to breathe, her anger gives way to frightened care, and Sir James Chettam recommends sending for Mr. Lydgate.
What happens
- The narrator examines Casaubon’s disappointed hopes for marriage, his scholarly insecurity, and his difficulty escaping concern with himself.
- Dorothea regularly helps Casaubon with reading and copying for a short study concerning Egyptian mysteries.
- Casaubon presents Ladislaw’s letter and rejects a proposed visit, provoking Dorothea’s protest against his unfair assumptions.
- Dorothea leaves both letters unread and resumes copying, while Casaubon tries to return to writing.
- Casaubon suddenly struggles to breathe, and Dorothea rushes to support him and summon help.
- Sir James recommends Lydgate, then discusses Dorothea’s marriage with Celia and reflects on his continuing brotherly concern.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Dorothea identifies the hostility beneath Casaubon’s assumption. Her protest exposes how far their working partnership falls short of mutual trust.
Quick check
What makes Dorothea stop copying and hurry to Casaubon?
Cite this page
“Middlemarch, Chapter 29 summary.” Library of Alexandria, 2026, libraryofalexandria.com/pages/middlemarch-chapter-29-summary.
Library of Alexandria. (2026). Middlemarch, Chapter 29 summary. https://libraryofalexandria.com/pages/middlemarch-chapter-29-summary
“Middlemarch, Chapter 29 summary.” Library of Alexandria, 2026. https://libraryofalexandria.com/pages/middlemarch-chapter-29-summary.
@misc{middlemarch_chapter_29_summary_2026,
title = {Middlemarch, Chapter 29 summary},
publisher = {Library of Alexandria},
year = {2026},
url = {https://libraryofalexandria.com/pages/middlemarch-chapter-29-summary}
}
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