Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in The Woman in White, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Evidence and Law
Morality, Crime, and Punishment
Identity and Appearance
Marriage and Gender
Class, Industry, and Social Place
Summary
Analysis
At first, Walter is insulted and disgusted by Mrs. Catherick’s haughty tone in the letter and he plans to burn it and never write to or visit her again. However, on second thought, he decides that—for Anne’s sake—he should try to find out who her father is. The next day is his last day in Hampshire, and he must remain for the final inquest into Sir Percival’s death and to attend his court hearing for the alleged assault he committed. He receives a short note from Marian which tells him that she and Laura have had to move. Walter suspects that this is because of Count Fosco and is extremely concerned about them.
Even though Anne is dead, Walter feels that her identity should be recovered alongside Laura’s, as she deserves this dignity at least. News of Sir Percival’s death has clearly reached Count Fosco, who may now be worried that Walter may come after him for revenge.
Themes
Walter passes an uneasy night and attends the inquest in the morning. The court rules that Sir Percival’s death was accidental, and Walter hurries off to catch a train to Knowlesbury, where his hearing will be held. He meets a man who was also at the inquest and who strikes up a conversation on the train. The man tells him that he has spoken to Sir Percival’s solicitor, Mr. Merriman, who was at the inquest, and heard that Sir Percival was totally ruined financially. His property in Blackwater and all the inheritance he had received from his late wife is all gone. Walter reaches Knowlesbury and attends court. He is quickly dismissed and, anxious about Laura and Marian, immediately catches a train back to London.
Sir Percival was clearly a reckless man who lived a debauched lifestyle beneath his veneer of respectability. His desperate and restless temperament is reflected in his behavior throughout the novel, and his financial habits indicate that this was part of his personality all through his life. This suggests that, although Sir Percival faked his way into a position of nobility, he was not emotionally equipped to handle this lifestyle and ruined himself despite his wealth.
Themes
