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Augustus Musselboro
Augustus was the first of the Roman emperors. His reign is
characterized by a golden age of peace, prosperity, efficiency, and
literary works. On the surface, the name of the Augustus in this chapter
conveys a sense of strength and ability. However, perhaps Mr.
Musselboro's name is used to poke fun of the irony that his business is
dependent upon the financial support of Mrs. Van Siever. Mr. Musselboro
does not in fact rule or control anything and is subject to the bidding of
Mrs. Van Siever.
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Patroness
Mrs. Van Siever is Mr. Musselboro's financial supporter and
business partner. This word recalls the patron/client relationships that
were common within the
Roman Empire
in which a wealthier person, the patron, would financially support another
person or client. The patron would fund the client's artistic or
mercantile endeavors and would receive social or financial benefits from
the client's accomplishments. The client is however, subject to the
patron's bidding. In the plot of the novel, Mrs. Van Siever provides the
financial support for Mr. Musselboro's business with Dobbs Broughton. The
dynamic of the relationship between Mrs. Van Siever, the patroness, and
the client, Mr. Musselboro, shows how Mr. Musselboro is financially
dependent on Mrs. Van Siever and is obligated to reveal to her information
about the partnership of the business and the nature of the business.
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Graces
In Greek mythology, the three Graces or Charites were
goddesses of charm and beauty. Conway Dalrymple painted a triple portrait
of Mrs. Dobbs Broughton herself personifying all three Graces. Conway's
depiction of Mrs. Broughton as each of the three Graces is a seemingly
ironic notion, considering how Mrs. Broughton in her actual life does not
embody charm or beauty, due to her pervasive melancholy and overblown
Byronic aspirations.
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