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Originally Posted by gmw
I did find the predatory Hargrave to be a particularly interesting character, and I liked the way the Anne had him insinuate himself into Helen's life - and yet still Helen knew to reject him. I suppose that's why I disapprove of the chess scene as much as a I do, its lack of subtlety devalues Helen's foresight and strength of character.
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Terrific commentary on chess and women; thanks.
I know I also found Hargrave to be one of the most interesting characters; he was really the only one who was a mixture of good and bad. Everyone else was either good, bad, or changed from one to the other. What puzzled me a little was how Millicent, who otherwise was clear-sighted in her assessment of others' characters, thought her brother above reproach and would have been an admirable mate for Helen. Sisterly fondness, yes, but there's also something obtuse about it, especially as Millicent was aware of how her mother was shopping her but didn't admit her brother's complicity in issues of family power and finances.
Going back to the chess scene, aside from the power struggle between Walter and Helen, it also served to distract Helen from wondering where Arthur and Annabella had got off too. Rather odd in that sense, as Walter clearly thought that discovery would aid his cause. For that matter, Arthur and Annabella snatching stolen moments alone in the woods was absurd, as surely their affair was have been conducted in the time-honored house party fashion, where the man tiptoed to his paramour's room in the dead of night, to return to his own dressing room before morning. So I think none of it worked, really, on a practical level.