the sweetness of dependence

Caorthine · #1 (**permalink**) 01-Sep-2007, 10:14

Could someone comment om the meaning of the phrase the sweetness of dependence below (again from Edith Wharton's novel Summer)

In spite of everything--and in spite even of Miss Hatchard--lawyer Royall ruled in North Dormer; and Charity ruled in lawyer Royall's house. She had never put it to herself in those terms; but she knew her power, knew what it was made of, and hated it. Confusedly, the young man in the library had made her feel for the first time what might be the sweetness of dependence.

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**Anglika** · #2 (**permalink**) 01-Sep-2007, 10:17

If someone has responsibility laid on them too young, it can be a revelation of how easy life might be if someone else takes over the responsibilities. Clearly Charity is not happy to be in charge of Lawyer Royall's household.

**BobK** · #3 (**permalink**) 01-Sep-2007, 10:23

Charity 'ruled in lawyer Royall's house'. 'she knew her power'.

Whereas a young child, for example, knows 'the sweetness of dependence' (knowing that everything will be OK in the end because mummy's there), Charity did not have that luxury.

b

Caorthine · #4 (**permalink**) 01-Sep-2007, 10:35

God, you're fast. I can hardly keep up

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