Study Questions

1. About what do Dorothea and her husband argue?

2. In what way does Casaubon put a stop to the dispute?

3. For what reason are all his siblings at Featherstone's home?

4. In what manner do Featherstone's siblings treat Mary?

5. What is the purpose of Mrs. Vincy's presence at Stone Court?

6. How has it happened that Lydgate is Casaubon's physician?

7. In private, about what does Lydgate speak to Dorothea?

8. What request does Featherstone make of Mary?

9. What is Featherstone's objective in wanting his iron chest?

10. To what resolution does this last conflict between Mary and her uncle come?

Answers

1. Casaubon receives a letter, from Ladislaw, with another letter in it to Dorothea. As he is giving this to her, Casaubon tells her in no uncertain terms he is not interested in having Ladislaw visit. Dorothea takes offense that her husband thinks she might want to do something annoying to him, such as this visit.

2. Casaubon pleads the need to get back to his work.

3. Featherstone's brothers and sisters, even the rich ones, are eager to make certain their names are in his will. He is dying, so this may be their last chance.

4. Most of Featherstone's relatives are unkind to Mary. They seem not to realize all the extra demands they make on her. Some of them seem to accuse her with their eyes of stealing from Featherstone.

5. Fred is convalescing at Stone Court. Now that he is stronger, his mother is more vigilant. She fears that he will fall into the clutches of the poorer Mary, whose mother actually gives lessons to earn an income.

6. Chettam comes in just after Casaubon's "attack" and firmly suggests that Dorothea send for Lydgate. He is still blaming himself for not intervening before she married Casaubon.

7. In private, Lydgate warns Dorothea that Casaubon must moderate his studies and avoid mental agitation if he is to live for many more years. He also tells her it is difficult to know how long Casaubon will live with this condition.

8. Featherstone wants Mary to fetch his iron chest and then his key while only the two of them are present.

9. Featherstone wants the iron chest because there are two wills in it. His plan is to have Mary burn one of them. He knows he will soon die.

10. This last conflict between Mary and Featherstone is not resolved. He dies when he had been alternately offering her money and railing at her to get the iron chest.