The Way of All Flesh
Theobald's wife, depicted as enthusiastic and somewhat naive, entering marriage with romanticized expectations.
IV
Joins Theobald in defending George Pontifex's taste in art.
VI
Not directly mentioned in the excerpts, but as Theobald's future wife and a member of the family context, she is implicitly part of the generational dynamic.
Theobald's Courtship and the Allaby Family
Christina is one of the five Allaby daughters vying to become Mrs. Pontifex. She is part of the family's plot to secure Theobald as a husband.
The Courtship of Theobald and Christina
Christina, the second unmarried daughter, is the winner of the card game for Theobald's hand. She actively employs her charms and accepts his proposal, seeing him as a practical match.
XII
Engaged to Theobald, she is romantic and religious, fantasizing about martyrdom and heavenly rewards. She helps draft the letter to George Pontifex.
The Honeymoon Journey
Christina is tearful and overwhelmed, but ultimately submits to Theobald's authority, setting the tone for their married life.
XIV
Proudly comments on the respectful parishioners and supports Theobald's ministry; later buried under the yew trees in the churchyard.
XV
Complains to the narrator about the rural parish and wishes they were at Gaysbury; praises Theobald's devotion.
XVI
Portrayed as a devoted wife who manages the household, humors Theobald's temper, and is scrupulous about money, though she later falls into minor debt.
XVII
Safely delivered of a boy, Ernest, at the beginning of the fifth year of her married life.
Chapter XVIII
Hosts the christening dinner; is hissed at by her father-in-law over the lobster sauce.
XIX
Mentioned alongside Theobald as a figure the reader might judge too harshly.
Chapter XX
Recovers slowly from confinement; supports Theobald's harsh methods despite her fondness for Ernest.
Chapter XXI
Indulges in grandiose religious fantasies about Ernest's future, reflecting on his baptism and her own spiritual growth.
XXII
Ernest's mother, expresses disappointment that her children are not geniuses.
XXIII
Defends the harsh treatment of Ernest after prayers; is delighted by Theobald's appointment to rural deanery.
XXIV
Mentioned in the context of the natural child incident, holding Ernest out for Mrs. Burne's guess.
XXV
Writes a heartfelt letter to her sons before her confinement, expressing concern for their spiritual and moral welfare.
XXVI
Shown as anxious for her sons' eternal welfare, suspicious of their filial duty, and complicit in the oppressive religious atmosphere.
XXVIII
Flattered by Ernest's tears; charmed by Mrs. Skinner during the visit.
Chapter XXIX
Rides silently beside Theobald, daydreaming about social climbing through young Figgins and Lord Lonsford, and preening over her own charm and appearance.
Ernest at Roughborough
Rises with Theobald, content in their parental duty; receives Ernest's letter.
Alethea's Assessment
Mentioned in context of Ernest's home life; her approval of certain details is implied.
XXXIII
Ernest's mother; she is uneasy about Alethea's interest in Ernest and wishes for more flattery.
XXXIV
Initially hesitant, then embraces the idea with grandiose fantasies about the organ's fame and her own reflected glory.
XXXV
Mentioned as a source of Ernest's temperament and vanity, but also as someone who would not forgive his good luck.
Chapter XXXVII
Christina is disappointed by the will, considers legal action, and indulges in a reverie about the Lord Chancellor.
XXXVIII
Takes a warm interest in Ellen, preparing her for confirmation; upon learning of Ellen's pregnancy, panics and insists on immediate dismissal, briefly suspecting Ernest before dismissing the idea.
XXXIX
Ernest imagines his mother's tearful plea for him to repent.
XL
Attempts a sofa conversation to probe Ernest's conscience; suspects his involvement with Ellen; uses emotional manipulation.
XLI
Romanticizes Theobald's response to the confrontation, imagining it as a dramatic scene; views Ernest as a mix of Joseph and Don Juan.
XLII
Supports Theobald in the interrogation, urging Ernest to confess fully.
XLV
Mentioned indirectly as part of the parental expectations for Ernest's degree.
XLVIII
Christina, prompted by Theobald, speaks to Ernest about the difficulties of becoming a clergyman but dismisses them without explanation. She then pressures Ernest to help find a husband for Charlotte, specifically targeting Towneley, and is shown as manipulative and insatiable for information about Ernest's friends.
L
Mentioned as having preserved Ernest's letters; refrains from ecstasy over his conversion.
LI
Mentioned in the same comparison as Theobald, regarding the morning of their marriage.
LIV
Applauds Ernest's move for its cheapness and potential publicity, uses this to persuade Theobald.
LXIII
Christina is mentioned as Ernest's mother who idolized him; the narrator decides not to see her.
LXIV
Ernest fears his disgrace will break his mother's heart.
LXVII
Adds a postscript to Theobald's letter, expressing love and hope for reunion.
LXIX
Christina accompanies Theobald to the prison and embraces Ernest, but he insists on parting.
LXX
Accompanies Theobald to Overton's home, crying bitterly during the confrontation.
LXXI
Mentioned by Ellen with affection; Ernest's mother who dismissed Ellen years ago.
Chapter LXXX
Mentioned in Ernest's reflection that he treated his mother too considerately.
LXXXI
Ernest's mother, similarly excluded from knowledge of the inheritance.
LXXXII
On her deathbed, expresses deep love and longing for Ernest; reconciles with him.
LXXXIII
Ill and dying, she is comforted by Ernest, fears hell, and eagerly plans how to spend his money.
LXXXIV
Her letter to Ernest before his birth is given to him by Theobald; Ernest insists it be published.
