The Transformation of Philip Jettan · Chapter
II: In Which Is Presented Mistress Cleone Charteris explained
This chapter introduces Mistress Cleone Charteris, a beautiful and coquettish young woman who lives at Sharley House with her parents.
What happens
This chapter introduces Mistress Cleone Charteris, a beautiful and coquettish young woman who lives at Sharley House with her parents. She is the object of affection for Philip Jettan, who has loved her since she returned from convent. Cleone finds Philip boorish and unfashionable, preferring elegant, well-dressed suitors. The chapter also reveals that Mr. Bancroft, a notorious duelist, is returning to Little Fittledean after a scandal involving Lady Marchand. Philip is disturbed by this news, while Cleone seems intrigued. Sir Maurice Jettan, Philip's father, attempts to persuade his son to embrace a more worldly and fashionable lifestyle.
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 Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the dramatic climax because Philip shifts from passive longing to active confrontation, directly chall…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Love and Authenticity
Philip's genuine but unpolished love for Cleone contrasts with her preference for elegant, artificial suitors, highlighting the tension between authentic feeling and social performance.
- Social Class and Manners
Cleone's criticism of Philip's lack of fashion and Sir Maurice's urging for Philip to adopt worldly manners underscore the importance of social polish and class expectations.
- Appearance vs. Reality
Philip's unfashionable exterior hides his genuine worth, while Bancroft's stylish reputation masks his moral failings, illustrating the divide between surface and substance.
- Rebellion and Conformity
Philip resists conforming to fashionable norms, while Sir Maurice encourages him to rebel against his own rigid morality, creating a complex dynamic of rebellion and conformity.
Characters to notice
- Cleone Charteris
Introduced as the lovely, coquettish daughter of Mr. Charteris, who enjoys playing suitors against each other and is critical of Philip's unfashionable appearance.
- Philip Jettan
Deeply in love with Cleone but disapproved of for his boorish manners and lack of style; he is disturbed by the news of Bancroft's return.
- Sir Maurice Jettan
Philip's father, who is fastidious and worldly, urging Philip to adopt a more polished and experienced approach to life and love.
- Mr. Bancroft
Mentioned as a notorious duelist returning to Little Fittledean after a scandal involving Lady Marchand; his arrival causes tension.
- Madam Charteris
Cleone's mother, who is present during the conversation about Bancroft but remains largely in the background.
- Mr. Charteris
Cleone's father, who lives at Sharley House and is mentioned as having ridden to Great Fittledean to hear news of Bancroft.
Key passages
“She had thick gold curls, eyes of cornflower blue, and a pair of red lips that pouted or smiled in equal fascination.”
Cleone had golden curls, blue eyes, and red lips that could pout or smile captivatingly.
Describes Cleone's physical beauty and charm.
“Philip’s speech was direct and purposeful, and his compliments were never neat.”
Philip spoke plainly and his compliments were awkward.
Highlights Philip's lack of social grace compared to Cleone's elegant suitors.
“I would have you experience the pleasures and the displeasures of Polite Society; I would have you taste the joys of Hazard, and the exhilaration of your sword against another’s; I would have you take pains in the selection of a cravat, or the designing of a vest; I would have you learn the way to turn a neat compliment and a pretty phrase; above all, I would have you know yourself, your fellow-men, and the world.”
Sir Maurice wants Philip to enjoy society's highs and lows, gamble, duel, dress well, compliment gracefully, and ultimately understand himself and the world.
Sir Maurice's vision for Philip's worldly education.
