Summary On the day of the bazaar Maggie helps Lucy in a booth selling “certain large plain articles.” These include gentlemen’s dressing gowns, which become the center of much attention. The notice thus drawn to Maggie insures that it will later be recalled that there was something “rather bold” about […]

Read more Summary and Analysis Book 6: The Great Temptation: Chapter 9 – Charity in Full-Dress

Summary Lucy speaks privately with Philip, who lays a plan to remove his father as an obstacle between himself and Maggie. He asks his father to come up to his studio to see some new sketches. Among them are several studies of Maggie. When Mr. Wakem discovers who they are, […]

Read more Summary and Analysis Book 6: The Great Temptation: Chapter 8 – Wakem in a New Light

Summary The next morning is rainy, and Lucy expects Stephen to come earlier. But instead it is Philip who comes. He and Maggie meet with inward agitation. After some “artificial conversation” Maggie tells him that Tom has consented to their being friends, but that she will soon go away “to […]

Read more Summary and Analysis Book 6: The Great Temptation: Chapter 7 – Philip Re-enters

Summary When Maggie is launched by Lucy into St. Ogg’s society, she becomes the subject of much interest from the men and from the women who comment on her unpretentiousness (but without the vulgarity of the rest of “poor Lucy’s relations”). Maggie is enchanted by “this new sense of leisure” […]

Read more Summary and Analysis Book 6: The Great Temptation: Chapter 6 – Illustrating the Laws of Attraction

Summary Uncle Deane calls Tom in to talk about a trip Tom is to make for the firm. He goes on to speak of the increasingly good trade opportunities, the seven years Tom has served the firm, and his general satisfaction with his nephew. Finally he tells Tom that he […]

Read more Summary and Analysis Book 6: The Great Temptation: Chapter 5 – Showing That Tom Had Opened the Oyster

Summary Tom is lodging with Bob Jakin. When Maggie goes to visit him, she is met by Bob’s wife. The woman is excited to meet Maggie. She rushes off to the back of the house to find Bob, who tells Maggie that Tom is “glumpish” and sits at home staring […]

Read more Summary and Analysis Book 6: The Great Temptation: Chapter 4 – Brother and Sister

Summary Maggie is unable to sleep that night because of the memory of Stephen’s singing and his glances. The feelings aroused by the music, the “presence of a world of love and beauty and delight,” remain with her. At length Lucy comes to talk to her. She asks what Maggie […]

Read more Summary and Analysis Book 6: The Great Temptation: Chapter 3 – Confidential Moments

Summary Lucy tells Maggie how clever Stephen is and hopes she will like him. She says he is too good for her, and Maggie replies playfully that if she disapproves of him then Lucy can give him up. Lucy hopes Maggie will not be disappointed. She expects Stephen to be […]

Read more Summary and Analysis Book 6: The Great Temptation: Chapter 2 – First Impressions

Summary Lucy Deane is being courted by Stephen Guest, son of the principal partner of Guest and Company. He is a handsome, apparently flippant young man. Lucy is telling him that she has important news. He guesses that it is about her dog’s diet or Dr. Kenn “preaching against buckram”; […]

Read more Summary and Analysis Book 6: The Great Temptation: Chapter 1 – A Duet in Paradise

Summary At dinner with his creditors, Tulliver looks like his old self. He makes a long speech about his honesty and his admiration for his son. Tom makes a brief speech, giving thanks for the honor done him, and is well received. Tulliver rides home on the main street, “with […]

Read more Summary and Analysis Book 5: Wheat and Tares: Chapter 7 – A Day of Reckoning