The Way of All Flesh · Character

Mrs. Allaby

Christina's mother, a matchmaker for her daughters.

minor

Also known as Mr. Allaby, enthusiastic Mrs. Allaby, old Mr. Allaby

First appearance: vi

Mrs. Allaby shows up with force in The Way of All Flesh. The page is where that presence becomes real.

Christina's mother, who encourages the match between Theobald and her daughter.

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Mrs. Allaby first appears in 0008 vi.

In The Way of All Flesh: Christina's mother, who encourages the match between Theobald and her daughter.

Later, in IX: Anxious mother of five unmarried daughters, seeks help from Mrs. Cowey to find a suitable young man to assist her husband and potentially marry a daughter.

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Character Web

9 connections

A slice of how Mrs. Allaby sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Extended family, servants, and acquaintances
Pontifex family core
Protagonist
Roughborough tormentors

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the narrative climax because Ernest experiences a profound emotional and psychological reversal, shift…

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In the story

Mrs. Allaby appears across 8 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Way of All Flesh
Christina's mother, who encourages the match between Theobald and her daughter.
IX
Anxious mother of five unmarried daughters, seeks help from Mrs. Cowey to find a suitable young man to assist her husband and potentially marry a daughter.
Theobald's Courtship and the Allaby Family
Mrs. Allaby is the enthusiastic mother who, along with her husband, orchestrates the courtship of Theobald for one of her daughters. She drives home with 'delightful visions' of the match.
Theobald's Courtship and the Allaby Family
Mr. Allaby is the father of the five daughters, whose failing health provides the pretext for Theobald's visits. He suggests the daughters play cards to decide who will marry Theobald.
The Courtship of Theobald and Christina
Mrs. Allaby orchestrates the courtship, sending away rival sisters and encouraging Theobald with motherly interest and praise of Christina.
The Courtship of Theobald and Christina
Mr. Allaby grows impatient with the prolonged courtship and the expense of hiring assistance, eventually forcing Theobald's hand with a pointed remark.
XII
Christina's mother, who along with Christina, believes they can manage Theobald.
The Honeymoon Journey
Mr. Allaby is relieved after the wedding, sighing with relief and shutting the gate as the carriage departs.

Chapter companion notes

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See Mrs. Allaby in vi

See Mrs. Allaby in The Way of All Flesh