A Room with a View

Vyses Talk and Rome Longing

Vyses Talk and Rome Longing

Mentioning almost as an afterthought that Mrs. Vyse and her son have gone to Rome, Lucy sparks an immediate longing in both women. She describes the Vyses as “nice people” who embody her idea of real cleverness. Charlotte responds with equal ardor, declaring she “dies” for Rome and rejecting Lucy’s suggestion that the Piazza Signoria lies too far back, affirming they can never have too much of it.

Impulsive Rome Travel Proposal

Impulsive Rome Travel Proposal

Inspired by the Vyses’ presence in Rome and her own sudden clarity about wanting to leave, Lucy bursts out with the idea of abandoning the planned drive and going to Rome the very next day to find the Vyses’ hotel. She invokes Charlotte’s earlier promise to take her to the ends of the earth. Charlotte responds with equal vivacity, pointing out the impracticality of abandoning the hill drive. The two pass through the gaunt beauty of the square together, laughing over the unpractical suggestion.

Possibilities of a Pleasant Outing

The chapter opens with Lucy left to process her confusing encounter with George Emerson from the prior day alone, as none of her companions witnessed the incident in the Piazza Signoria or by the Arno embankment. Only Mr. Beebe noticed her flustered state at dinner, but attributed it to overstimulation from Beethoven rather than the encounter she had experienced. Lucy is unsettled by this solitude, as she is accustomed to having her thoughts confirmed or contradicted by others, and struggles to determine if her feelings about the event are appropriate.