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Chapter 22
Major Grantly at Home

There shall be an elysium opened to you
Major Grantly's father describes the financial gains he will receive if he does not marry Grace Crawley as an "elysium."  This word refers to the realm of beautiful fields in the underworld in classical mythology where the fortunate dwelled.  Its usage here is somewhat ironic, since Major Grantly would rather marry Grace than gain the "elysium."  [EB]

The loveliness of the elysium
This continues the previous reference.  [EB]

Chapter 23
Miss Lily Dale's Resolution

The only human divinity now worthy of adoration
Lily is described as viewing her mother as a "human divinity."  This is reminiscent of humans that became gods in classical tradition, such as legendary heroes or the deified emperors of Rome.  This heightened reference illustrates the powerful bond between Lily and Mrs. Dale.  Lily's adoration of Mrs. Dale contrasts with her previous worship of "Apollo" Crosbie.  [EB & RR]

Chapter 24
Mrs Dobbs Broughton's Dinner-Party

Three Graces in the picture
Conway Dalrymple paints a portrait of Mrs. Broughton as all of the three Graces, classical goddesses of beauty who were associated with Aphrodite.
Cassell's Dictionary of Classical Mythology  [EB]

That countess as a goddess with a helmet
This description of one of Conway Dalrymple's paintings suggests that the countess was depicted as the goddess Athena, often portrayed wearing a helmet.  [EB]

His Grace was surely of all Graces the least gracious
Conway refers to Mrs. Broughton with this phrase, playing on the name of the Graces that he painted her as, and the English word "gracious" that is related to the goddesses' names.  [EB]

Clara Van Siever
Clara's first name is the Latin world meaning "clear" or "bright."  Clara tends to take a balanced, clear-minded perspective on the events of the novel, making this a suitable name.  [EB]

[19-21]   [25-27]

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