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The History of Henry Esmond · Chapter

III: A Paper Out of the Spectator explained

Henry Esmond reflects on his hopeless love for Beatrix, who mocks him and declares her desire for a wealthy husband.

What happens

Henry Esmond reflects on his hopeless love for Beatrix, who mocks him and declares her desire for a wealthy husband. Esmond considers emigrating to America. Lady Castlewood reveals that the Duke of Hamilton has proposed to Beatrix and she will marry him.

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.

SetupEscalationAftermathClimax
  • Setup
  • Escalation
  • Breaking point
  • Aftermath
  • Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak of Esmond's lifelong…

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Themes in this chapter

  • Love and Duty

    Esmond's unrequited love for Beatrix conflicts with his sense of duty and honor.

  • Social Class and Identity

    Beatrix's pursuit of a wealthy husband and Esmond's consideration of emigrating to America highlight class and status concerns.

Characters to notice

  • Henry Esmond

    Suffering from unrequited love for Beatrix; considers leaving for the New World.

  • Beatrix Esmond

    Flirts with Esmond, mocks him, and announces her intention to marry a wealthy suitor; accepts the Duke of Hamilton's proposal.

  • Lady Castlewood

    Listens to Esmond's confessions and informs him of Beatrix's engagement to the Duke of Hamilton.

  • Duke of Hamilton

    Proposes to Beatrix; enters the room as Esmond departs.

  • General Webb

    Visits Esmond at his lodging; discusses the Wynendael affair.

  • Joseph Addison

    Visits Esmond; discusses literature and politics; brings out his play 'Cato'.

Key passages

  • “Esmond went away from his mistress and was cured a half-dozen times; he came back to her side, and instantly fell ill again of the fever.”

    Esmond repeatedly left Beatrix to get over his love, but each time he returned, his feelings immediately revived.

    Illustrates the cyclical nature of Esmond's hopeless passion.

  • “My face is my fortune. Who’ll come?—buy, buy, buy! I cannot toil, neither can I spin, but I can play twenty-three games on the cards.”

    Beatrix openly declares that her beauty is her only asset and that she seeks a wealthy husband, not a life of work.

    Highlights Beatrix's worldly and pragmatic view of marriage.

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