Summary
In the art galleries of Rome, Will Ladislaw encounters his artist friend Naumann, who becomes captivated by a mysterious woman posing unconsciously near a classical statue. The woman turns out to be Dorothea, now Mrs. Casaubon, on her honeymoon with Will's older cousin. Naumann wants to paint her, seeing her as the perfect blend of classical beauty and Christian spirituality. Will becomes unexpectedly agitated by this suggestion, though he can't quite explain why. The two men debate the merits of painting versus language as art forms, with Will arguing that painting captures only surface beauty while missing the deeper essence of a person. Naumann teases Will about being jealous and protective of Dorothea, which only irritates Will further. The chapter reveals Will's complicated feelings about Dorothea - he barely knows her, having met her only briefly before her marriage, yet something about her affects him deeply. His defensive reaction to Naumann's artistic interest suggests emotions Will himself doesn't fully understand. The scene captures that uncomfortable moment when we realize we care about something or someone more than we thought we did, and when others notice feelings we're trying to hide from ourselves.
Coming Up in Chapter 59
Will's unexpected encounter with Dorothea in Rome sets the stage for complications neither of them anticipated. Their brief previous meeting in England now takes on new significance as their paths cross again in the eternal city.
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An excerpt from the original text.(~500 words)
L“’ altra vedete ch’ha fatto alla guancia Della sua palma, sospirando, letto.” —_Purgatorio_, vii. When George the Fourth was still reigning over the privacies of Windsor, when the Duke of Wellington was Prime Minister, and Mr. Vincy was mayor of the old corporation in Middlemarch, Mrs. Casaubon, born Dorothea Brooke, had taken her wedding journey to Rome. In those days the world in general was more ignorant of good and evil by forty years than it is at present. Travellers did not often carry full information on Christian art either in their heads or their pockets; and even the most brilliant English critic of the day mistook the flower-flushed tomb of the ascended Virgin for an ornamental vase due to the painter’s fancy. Romanticism, which has helped to fill some dull blanks with love and knowledge, had not yet penetrated the times with its leaven and entered into everybody’s food; it was fermenting still as a distinguishable vigorous enthusiasm in certain long-haired German artists at Rome, and the youth of other nations who worked or idled near them were sometimes caught in the spreading movement. One fine morning a young man whose hair was not immoderately long, but abundant and curly, and who was otherwise English in his equipment, had just turned his back on the Belvedere Torso in the Vatican and was looking out on the magnificent view of the mountains from the adjoining round vestibule. He was sufficiently absorbed not to notice the approach of a dark-eyed, animated German who came up to him and placing a hand on his shoulder, said with a strong accent, “Come here, quick! else she will have changed her pose.” Quickness was ready at the call, and the two figures passed lightly along by the Meleager, towards the hall where the reclining Ariadne, then called the Cleopatra, lies in the marble voluptuousness of her beauty, the drapery folding around her with a petal-like ease and tenderness. They were just in time to see another figure standing against a pedestal near the reclining marble: a breathing blooming girl, whose form, not shamed by the Ariadne, was clad in Quakerish gray drapery; her long cloak, fastened at the neck, was thrown backward from her arms, and one beautiful ungloved hand pillowed her cheek, pushing somewhat backward the white beaver bonnet which made a sort of halo to her face around the simply braided dark-brown hair. She was not looking at the sculpture, probably not thinking of it: her large eyes were fixed dreamily on a streak of sunlight which fell across the floor. But she became conscious of the two strangers who suddenly paused as if to contemplate the Cleopatra, and, without looking at them, immediately turned away to join a maid-servant and courier who were loitering along the hall at a little distance off. “What do you think of that for a fine bit of antithesis?” said the German, searching in his friend’s face for responding admiration, but going on volubly without waiting...
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Intelligence Amplifier™ Analysis
The Road of Unrecognized Attachment - When We Care More Than We Admit
We often develop strong emotional investments in people or outcomes before consciously acknowledging these feelings to ourselves.
Why This Matters
Connect literature to life
This chapter teaches how to recognize when people (including ourselves) redirect unexpressed feelings into seemingly rational arguments or protective behaviors.
Practice This Today
This week, notice when someone gets unusually heated defending a position they claim doesn't matter much to them—the real investment is usually hidden underneath.
Now let's explore the literary elements.
Terms to Know
Romanticism
An artistic and intellectual movement that emphasized emotion, imagination, and individual experience over strict rules and tradition. It valued passion, nature, and personal feeling as sources of truth and beauty.
Modern Usage:
We see this in how we value 'following your heart' over practical considerations, or choosing experiences over material possessions.
Classical beauty
The ancient Greek and Roman ideal of perfect proportions and harmony in art and human form. Artists studied classical statues to learn these 'rules' of beauty.
Modern Usage:
This shows up in our beauty standards, Instagram filters, and the way we still use Greek and Roman sculptures as the 'gold standard' for physical perfection.
Christian art
Religious artwork depicting biblical scenes, saints, and spiritual themes. In Eliot's time, understanding these references was considered essential for educated people.
Modern Usage:
Like how people today feel they should understand pop culture references or memes to fit into conversations.
Grand Tour
The traditional trip wealthy young Europeans took to see classical art and culture, especially in Italy. It was considered essential education for the upper class.
Modern Usage:
Similar to how study abroad programs or gap years are seen as character-building experiences for privileged young people today.
Unconscious posing
When someone naturally falls into a beautiful or graceful position without trying. Artists prized this naturalness over forced poses.
Modern Usage:
Like when someone looks perfect in candid photos versus awkward in posed ones, or has natural charisma without trying.
Artistic temperament
The stereotype of artists as emotional, impulsive, and driven by passion rather than practical concerns. Often used to excuse dramatic behavior.
Modern Usage:
We still use this to explain why creative people are moody, unpredictable, or 'difficult' to work with.
Characters in This Chapter
Will Ladislaw
Young romantic idealist
He becomes unexpectedly defensive when his artist friend wants to paint Dorothea, revealing feelings he doesn't understand himself. His agitation shows he's already emotionally invested in someone he barely knows.
Modern Equivalent:
The guy who gets weirdly protective of his crush before he even admits he has feelings
Naumann
Observant artist friend
He immediately sees Dorothea's beauty and wants to capture it in art. His teasing about Will's reaction reveals what Will is trying to hide from himself.
Modern Equivalent:
The friend who calls you out when you're obviously into someone you claim you're not interested in
Dorothea Casaubon
Unknowing inspiration
She appears in the gallery naturally beautiful and unconscious of her effect on others. Her presence stirs unexpected emotions in Will and artistic inspiration in Naumann.
Modern Equivalent:
The person who walks into a room and everyone notices, but they have no idea of their impact
Mr. Casaubon
Absent older husband
Though not present in the scene, his existence as Dorothea's new husband creates the tension. Will's complicated relationship with his older cousin adds layers to his feelings.
Modern Equivalent:
The older guy who married the woman everyone else had a crush on
Key Quotes & Analysis
"She is married; I wonder if she is happy."
Context: When Will first recognizes Dorothea in the gallery
This reveals Will's immediate concern for Dorothea's wellbeing and hints at his suspicion that her marriage might not be fulfilling. It shows he's already emotionally invested in her happiness.
In Today's Words:
I hope that marriage is working out for her, but I have my doubts.
"Do you know, I think you are too much of a dilettante in art, Ladislaw."
Context: During their debate about painting versus literature
Naumann is calling out Will's tendency to dabble in art without real commitment. This reflects Will's broader struggle with finding his purpose and direction in life.
In Today's Words:
You're kind of a wannabe artist who doesn't really commit to anything.
"Language gives a fuller image, which is all the better for being vague."
Context: Defending literature against painting as an art form
Will argues that words can capture complexity and ambiguity better than visual art. This reflects his own complicated feelings that he can't quite articulate or understand.
In Today's Words:
Words can express complicated feelings that pictures just can't capture.
Thematic Threads
Self-Knowledge
In This Chapter
Will doesn't understand his own emotional response to Naumann's interest in Dorothea
Development
Building on Dorothea's earlier self-discoveries about her marriage
In Your Life:
You might notice this when you have strong reactions you can't quite explain.
Art and Truth
In This Chapter
Will and Naumann debate whether art can capture a person's true essence
Development
Introduced here as a new lens for examining character
In Your Life:
You might see this in how people present themselves on social media versus reality.
Class Dynamics
In This Chapter
Will's complicated relationship to the Casaubon family wealth and status
Development
Continues his ongoing struggle with his dependent position
In Your Life:
You might recognize this in workplace dynamics where personal relationships cross professional hierarchies.
Protective Instincts
In This Chapter
Will's immediate desire to shield Dorothea from being objectified as art
Development
New expression of the protective themes seen in other relationships
In Your Life:
You might notice this when you feel defensive about someone being criticized or used.
Identity
In This Chapter
Will defines himself through his opposition to Naumann's artistic perspective
Development
Continues his pattern of defining himself in reaction to others
In Your Life:
You might see this when you find yourself arguing positions mainly because someone else holds the opposite view.
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
- 1
Why does Will get so upset when Naumann wants to paint Dorothea, and what does his reaction reveal about his feelings?
analysis • surface - 2
Will argues that painting can't capture Dorothea's true essence - is this a genuine artistic opinion or is he covering up something else?
analysis • medium - 3
Think of a time when you got unexpectedly defensive about something you claimed didn't matter to you. What was really going on underneath?
application • medium - 4
When you notice someone building elaborate justifications for simple preferences, how can you respond in a way that addresses their real concern?
application • deep - 5
What does Will's reaction teach us about how we discover our own feelings - and why we sometimes resist acknowledging them?
reflection • deep
Critical Thinking Exercise
Decode Your Defensive Moments
Think of the last time you found yourself arguing passionately about something, especially when others seemed surprised by how much you cared. Write down what you were arguing about on the surface, then dig deeper - what were you really protecting or defending? What feeling or investment were you not ready to admit, even to yourself?
Consider:
- •Notice the difference between your stated reason and your emotional reaction
- •Consider what you might have been afraid would happen if you admitted your real feelings
- •Think about whether the other person was responding to your surface argument or your underlying emotion
Journaling Prompt
Write about a relationship or situation where you care more than you're comfortable admitting. What would change if you acknowledged those feelings honestly?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 59: The Dangerous Power of Gossip
Moving forward, we'll examine gossip spreads and why people share information without considering consequences, and understand the way hidden motivations drive seemingly innocent conversations. These insights bridge the gap between classic literature and modern experience.