Middlemarch, Chapter 77 summary
Chapter 77 of 88 · Book 8: Sunset and Sunrise · 11 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 77, Dorothea visits Rosamond to support Lydgate and finds Will holding Rosamond’s hands as she sits tearfully beside him. The sight shatters Dorothea’s confidence in their innocent relationship, and she channels her indignation into carrying out her planned defense of Lydgate among her relatives.
What happens
- Lydgate goes to Brassing, while Rosamond sets out to post a letter urging Will to come.
- Dorothea reflects on her trust in Will and prepares to offer Rosamond sympathy and good news about Lydgate.
- Martha admits Dorothea to the drawing room, where Will holds the tearful Rosamond’s hands and speaks intensely.
- Dorothea leaves a letter for Lydgate and withdraws with formal composure.
- She visits Freshitt and Tipton to defend Lydgate, sustaining her resolve until she returns home.
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Middlemarch, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Start freeNothing to pay today. USD 0.14 a day in the first year, then USD 0.27 a day.
In this chapter
What to notice
Dorothea interprets her fierce indignation as strength and uses it to sustain her defense of Lydgate.
Quick check
What does Dorothea do immediately after leaving Lydgate’s house?
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Middlemarch, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Start freeNothing to pay today. USD 0.14 a day in the first year, then USD 0.27 a day.
200,000+ classics to read, hear and hold
15-minute summaries today, eBooks and audiobooks as each book opens, and printed books, large print included, at cost.
Try 3 months free
