Chapter 48 Summary

David's first novel is published and is very successful. His home life, however, gets worse as he and Dora are unable to manage their home properly and go through more cheating servants. David tries again to improve his wife's thinking but gets nowhere with it except in making Dora mad at him. Again, David must give up trying to change Dora into becoming a competent wife. He is still happy with her but feels that there should be more to their relationship.

David also hopes that a baby would help Dora become more serious. Their attempt at this fails, however, and Dora lapses into a long-term illness, weakening to the point where David has to carry her up and down the stairs.

Chapter 48 Analysis

David's marital bliss is quickly ending. Dora's inability to do anything practical can no longer be ignored or hoped...