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Chapter 53
Themes
and Colors
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Wives and Daughters, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Friendship
Class, Status, and Romance
Independence, Opportunities, and Gender
Challenges, Growth, and Community
Gossip and Rumors
Summary
Analysis
Mr. Gibson arrives at the Hamleys’ house and goes to check on Aimée, who has fallen ill after her trip to Hollingford. Gibson says Aimée is very ill, but he hopes that she will recover in due time. Gibson then tells Molly that Cynthia has gone to London to spend time with the Kirkpatricks and to get away from the rumors in town. Molly continues to worry that Squire Hamley might try to keep Aimée’s son against Aimée’s wishes, but Gibson tells Molly not to worry about that right now. Over the next days, Molly continues to work diligently to help Squire Hamley, but she works so hard that Gibson fears she is growing ill, so he sends her back home.
Molly works so hard to try and support the Hamley family that Gibson worries that she is becoming ill. This highlights how Molly often prioritizes the well-being of others, even if it can come at her own expense. Meanwhile, instead of seeking refuge in Russia, Cynthia seems to have settled on going to London to try and get away from the rumors in town. Cynthia’s decision to leave town at all, though, shows how damaging rumors can be and points to the kind of suffering they can cause.
Active
Themes
At home, Molly rests, but she becomes ill anyway. One day, while she is resting, Lady Harriet comes to see her. After visiting Molly, Harriet speaks to Clare and asks if Cynthia might be able to make some dresses for her (Harriet). Clare considers the possibility a great honor and says of course. Harriet writes to Cynthia at the Kirkpatricks and, assuming that Cynthia is aware of Molly’s condition, mentions Molly’s illness. The next day, Cynthia arrives home and asks Clare why she didn’t tell her that Molly was ill. Cynthia goes to see Molly, and Molly is heartened by her presence. With Cynthia home, Molly quickly recovers. Meanwhile, with everything that has happened, people in town quickly forget that Molly was ever not in their good graces. While Molly is ill, Squire Hamley also comes to the house every day to check on how she is doing.
