Daniel Deronda

Gwendolen arrives in Grosvenor Square knowing she will see Daniel at Lady Mallinger’s musical evening. She also expects to meet Mirah, whose ability to endure hardship unsettles her. Daniel once described Mirah’s submission as an act of duty, but Gwendolen sees her own submission as something shameful. She cannot frame her marriage as a noble sacrifice. At the party, she takes in the elegant surroundings but feels detached. Seeing Mirah preparing to sing reminds her of her own lost ambitions. She once imagined performing in front of an audience but now sits among the crowd, admired only for her wealth and beauty. As she glances around the room, she spots Mr. Lush near Grandcourt. His presence unsettles her. She suddenly realizes how much he knows about Grandcourt’s past and her own unhappy position.

Daniel stands at a distance, focused on Mirah. He feels anxious about how she will sing and about the moment when he will reveal Mordecai to her. When Gwendolen arrives, he experiences a brief return of his initial aversion to her. Her presence reminds him of the political and social forces that diminish Mirah’s worth. However, his irritation fades as he recalls Gwendolen’s past confessions. Her suffering is not like Mirah’s, but it is real.

When Mirah begins singing, Daniel feels the weight of her emotions. The song reminds him of Mordecai’s fading strength and the duty he has taken on. Mirah’s performance is flawless, and the audience responds with admiration. She looks to Daniel for approval, eager to know if she has met his expectations. Gwendolen approaches Mirah and praises her. In doing so, she deliberately places herself where Daniel will have to acknowledge her. When Daniel does speak with Gwendolen, their conversation quickly because tense because Daniel does not like how Gwendolen speaks about Mirah. In response, Gwendolen accuses Daniel of looking down on her. Daniel rejects the accusation, but Gwendolen remains unconvinced. Before leaving, Gwendolen tells Daniel that his opinion of her is the only thing that keeps her steady in her otherwise turbulent relationship.

On the carriage ride home, Grandcourt informs Gwendolen that Lush will be dining with them. Gwendolen knows this is a test. Grandcourt once promised to keep Lush away, but now he is asserting control over her. She wants to object but cannot summon the courage. Fear holds her back, as it always does when she thinks of resisting him. Grandcourt dismisses her reaction and gives no room for discussion. In the aftermath of this interaction, Gwendolen feels powerless.