Those Barren Leaves · Chapter
XI explained
Irene sews a pink silk garment in her room, surrounded by Cardinal Malaspina's frescoes, while her conscience occasionally pricks her for neglecting the 'higher life' of art and poetry that Aunt Lilian expects.
What happens
Irene sews a pink silk garment in her room, surrounded by Cardinal Malaspina's frescoes, while her conscience occasionally pricks her for neglecting the 'higher life' of art and poetry that Aunt Lilian expects. She decides to tell Aunt Lilian she likes Hovenden, but before she can, Aunt Lilian speculates that Hovenden may be a homosexualist, and they discuss the possibility.
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
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
In this passage, the protagonist’s intellectual reverie about democratic ideals and his own unworthiness is vi…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Authenticity vs. Performance
Irene performs the role of the dutiful niece by pretending to write poetry and sketch, while secretly pursuing her true passion for sewing fine underclothes.
- Art and the Higher Life
Irene's sewing is contrasted with the 'higher' arts of poetry and painting; she considers her garment a work of art equal to a lyric.
- Desire and Self-Deception
Irene convinces herself her feelings for Hovenden are 'real and solid,' while Mrs. Aldwinkle rationalizes her own romantic obsession.
Characters to notice
- Irene
Sews a pink chemise, feels guilty about neglecting art, plans to tell Aunt Lilian she likes Hovenden.
- Mrs. Aldwinkle
Absorbed by her unhappy passion for Chelifer, discusses skin care and speculates about Hovenden's sexuality.
- Lord Hovenden
Subject of Irene's thoughts and Mrs. Aldwinkle's speculation about his sexual orientation.
- Mr. Chelifer
His arrival freed Irene from Aunt Lilian's artistic demands; Mrs. Aldwinkle is absorbed by her passion for him.
- Aunt Lilian
Mournfully preoccupied with Chelifer, disapproves of Irene's sewing, discusses Hovenden's possible homosexuality.
Key passages
“It was a work of art—a work of art that deserved that honourable title just as richly as 'O Moon, how calmly in the midnight sky'; perhaps even more richly.”
Irene considers her sewing as legitimate an artistic creation as a poem.
Highlights Irene's redefinition of art to include her craft.
“But to find the completely fun-proof formula was not so easy.”
Irene struggles to find a way to tell Aunt Lilian about Hovenden without being teased.
Shows Irene's anxiety about her aunt's mocking tone.
“'I sometimes doubt,' she said, 'whether he takes any interest in women at all. Fundamentally, unconsciously, I believe he's a homosexualist.'”
Mrs. Aldwinkle speculates that Hovenden is secretly homosexual.
Introduces a modern psychological perspective on sexuality.
