Middlemarch

CHAPTER II.

This chapter opens with a bilingual Don Quixote epigraph before transitioning to a dinner party scene at the Brooke household, where Mr. Brooke hosts Mr. Casaubon and Sir James Chettam. The chapter explores themes of intellectualism, courtship, and the differing values of its characters through multiple social interactions across an evening.

Bilingual Don Quixote Epigraph

The chapter begins with a passage from Cervantes’ Don Quixote, presented in both Spanish and English. The excerpt shows Sancho mistaking a gleaming helmet for something ordinary, while Don Quixote insists it is the legendary Helmet of Mambrino—a moment that encapsulates themes of perception, idealism, and the divergence between mundane reality and heroic interpretation.

Dinner Party Opening and Early Conversations

The dinner scene opens with Mr. Brooke reminiscing about dining with Sir Humphry Davy and Wordsworth, displaying his characteristic rambling discourse. Sir James Chettam explains his interest in agricultural chemistry and his desire to improve tenant farming. Mr. Brooke disparages “fancy farming” and scientific experiments as impractical, prompting Dorothea to defend spending money on experiments for the common good. The conversation meanders through political economy, theology, and Mr. Brooke’s document collection, with Mr. Casaubon observing the exchanges quietly.

Casaubon’s Extended Remarks and Dorothea’s Scholarly Admiration

Mr. Casaubon speaks at length for the first time, describing his scholarly work on old characters and his need for a reader for evenings due to his failing eyesight. He compares his mind to a ghost of antiquity, attempting to reconstruct a past world. Mr. Brooke’s dismissive attitude toward young ladies meddling with his documents wounds Dorothea, though Mr. Casaubon smiles approval of her offer to organize his papers. Dorothea finds Mr. Casaubon the most interesting man she has ever seen, likening him to the portrait of Locke. She imagines assisting in his scholarly work and feels elevated by thoughts of contributing to such high purposes of truth.

Dorothea and Celia’s Private Drawing Room Conversation

After dinner, the sisters retreat to the drawing room where Celia bluntly declares Mr. Casaubon ugly. Dorothea vigorously defends his distinguished appearance, comparing him favorably to Locke’s portrait. Celia points out his sallow complexion and facial moles, prompting Dorothea to make an impassioned comparison about appreciating deeper qualities. Dorothea accuses Celia of seeing human beings merely as animals concerned with appearance, insisting she sees the great soul in a man’s face. Celia asks if Mr. Casaubon possesses such a soul, and Dorothea affirms her belief, citing his pamphlet on Biblical Cosmopathy. Celia reflects privately that Dorothea seems to despise Sir James Chettam and wonders if her sister is too religious for domestic comfort.

Tea Table Scene and Sir James’s Courtship Advances

At the tea table, Sir James continues his pursuit of Dorothea, attempting to persuade her to accept his horse Corydon and rescind her resolution against riding. Dorothea deflects by suggesting the horse might benefit Celia instead, and when Sir James argues that every lady should be a perfect horsewoman to accompany her husband, she coolly states she has decided not to correspond to his pattern of a lady. Mr. Casaubon interjects with philosophical observations about motives, and Dorothea looks at him gratefully, seeing confirmation of a man who understands the higher inward life. Sir James, unaware of Dorothea’s interest in Casaubon, interprets her coldness charitably and turns his attention to Celia, finding her agreeable and pretty. He reflects contentedly on having chosen the superior sister.

CHAPTER III.

CHAPTER III opens with an epigraph from John Milton’s Paradise Lost, then follows Dorothea Brooke’s deepening admiration for the scholarly Mr. Casaubon after a lengthy morning conversation, details Casaubon’s discussion of his ambitious mythological research project, his subtle indication of a desire for youthful companionship, Dorothea’s romantic daydream of a future as his wife supporting his work, and her subsequent encounter with local admirer Sir James Chettam on a woodland walk, where they discuss pet ethics and Sir James expresses interest in implementing Dorothea’s cottage improvement plans on his own estate.