Unreasonable Bertha explained

What happens

Narrative arc

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

Themes in this chapter

• Secrecy and Deception

  Charles's hidden marriage to Bertha and his subsequent bigamy are central to the conflict.

• Power and Patriarchy

  Charles asserts his legal and financial control over Bertha, while she demands her 'rights' as a wife.

• Isolation and Entrapment

  Both characters are trapped in a toxic marriage; Charles feels utterly miserable and contemplates suicide.

Characters to notice

• Charles Fairfield

  Confronts Bertha, his estranged wife, in a heated argument; later contemplates suicide.

• Bertha Velderkaust

  Charles's blind wife; accuses him of bigamy and attempted murder, then suffers a fit.

• Mildred Tarnley

  Attends to Bertha during her fit; expresses a wish that Bertha be placed in a madhouse.

Key passages

• “I’ve given you year by year fully half my income.”

  Charles claims he has been financially supporting Bertha for years.

  Charles defends his financial support as evidence of his good faith.

• “You tried to murder me, you arch-villain.”

  Bertha accuses Charles of attempting to kill her.

  Bertha's accusation escalates the argument to a violent climax.

• “Why should not I end it?”

  Charles contemplates suicide as a way out of his misery.

  Charles's despair reaches a peak as he considers ending his life.