Anne Durham
Clive’s socially composed wife and the heterosexual domestic future he chooses after ending his relationship with Maurice.
To inhabit her marriage and upper-class household with the security and mutual knowledge that society tells her such a life should provide.
The book
At a glance
- Clive Durham’s wife
- Penge
- Represents Clive’s conventional future
Who they are in the book
Spoiler-freeAnne is not responsible for Clive’s rejection of Maurice. She enters a marriage shaped by history and desire that Clive does not fully share with her.
Her position shows how conventional marriage can offer public order while concealing emotional facts from one of the people most affected by them.
How the book draws them
- Upper-class young womanHer bearing reflects the world of Penge.
- Edwardian dressThe portrait is historically grounded.
- Social composureShe performs her role with assurance.
- Perceptive reserveShe is more than a decorative symbol.
- Close engraved bustNo domestic scenery appears.
- Muted ochre accentWarm restraint separates her from the three men.
Anne remains with Clive. Maurice’s final disclosure reveals a part of Clive’s history that his marriage has not resolved.
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