Middlemarch, Chapter 39 summary
Chapter 39 of 88 · Book 4: Three Love Problems · 19 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 39, Sir James arranges for Dorothea to press Mr. Brooke to improve his estate, and she learns that Casaubon bars Will from visiting. Her private exchange with Will reveals her sustaining faith, while Brooke encounters Dagley’s anger and discovers that his tenant sees political Reform as punishment for bad landlords.
What happens
- Sir James arranges Dorothea’s visit so she can urge Mr. Brooke to repair farms and improve laborers’ homes.
- Dorothea challenges her uncle’s neglect, but a report that Dagley’s boy kills a leveret interrupts their discussion.
- Alone with Dorothea, Will reveals Casaubon’s ban on his visits and insists on keeping his work with Brooke.
- Dorothea explains how seeking goodness sustains her, and Will describes his own belief in loving goodness and beauty.
- Brooke accompanies Dorothea partway, deflects her renewed appeal, and stops at Dagley’s farm to discuss the boy.
- Dagley angrily condemns Brooke’s neglect and imagines Reform driving bad landlords away; Brooke escapes when Monk barks.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Dorothea makes estate management a test of Brooke’s political principles. Dagley’s complaints give concrete force to her demand.
Quick check
Why does Brooke visit Dagley’s farm?
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