The Last Chronicle of Barset · Chapter
Miss Van Siever Makes Her Choice explained
Clara Van Siever stays with Mrs.
What happens
Clara Van Siever stays with Mrs. Broughton after Dobbs Broughton's suicide. Conway Dalrymple discusses the financial situation with Clara, revealing that Mrs. Van Siever and Musselboro control the estate. Dalrymple proposes to Clara, and she accepts, despite her mother's opposition and threat to disinherit her. Clara rejects Musselboro's advances, and Mrs. Broughton claims credit for bringing the couple together.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.
- Setup
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
In this chapter, the emotional and psychological peak occurs when John Eames, after years of unrequited love f…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Love and Marriage
Clara chooses love over financial security by accepting Dalrymple's proposal despite her mother's threats.
- Social Class and Reputation
Mrs. Van Siever's disdain for Dalrymple's artistic profession and her preference for Musselboro highlight class tensions.
- Gossip and Public Opinion
Mrs. Broughton's self-serving narrative about her role in the engagement reflects the power of personal interpretation and gossip.
Characters to notice
- Clara Van Siever
Accepts Conway Dalrymple's marriage proposal, defying her mother's wish for her to marry Mr. Musselboro.
- Conway Dalrymple
Proposes to Clara Van Siever, relinquishing hopes of her fortune, and discusses Mrs. Broughton's financial situation.
- Mrs. Dobbs Broughton
Grieving widow who claims credit for bringing Clara and Conway together, despite her own past attachment to Dalrymple.
- Mrs. Van Siever
Opposes Clara's engagement to Dalrymple, threatens to disinherit her, and supports Musselboro as a suitor.
- Augustus Musselboro
Arrives at Mrs. Van Siever's house, hoping to court Clara, but is rebuffed.
Key passages
“Clara promised her that she should have mourning to her heart's content. "I will see to that myself," she said.”
Clara assured Mrs. Broughton she would personally ensure she received the mourning clothes she wanted.
Clara takes responsibility for the widow's practical needs.
“If you fight shy of him, miss, you may remember this—that you will fight shy of me at the same time.”
If you avoid him, you will also be avoiding me.
Mrs. Van Siever threatens Clara with estrangement if she rejects Musselboro.
“I saw at once how great a thing it would be for both of you to bring you two together—especially for you, Clara; and therefore I did it.”
I immediately realized how beneficial it would be to unite you two, especially for Clara, so I arranged it.
Mrs. Broughton claims credit for engineering the engagement.
