Emily Greenleaf
Dickie's seriously ill mother, whose wish to see him again adds urgency to Herbert's mission.
To see Dickie return to his family while her health is failing.
The book
At a glance
- Herbert
- Dickie
- United States
- Seriously ill
Who they are in the book
Spoiler-freeEmily is Dickie's mother and Herbert's wife. She is seriously ill and remains in the United States while Herbert tries to bring their son home.
Her importance lies in the real family need behind the mission: Dickie's absence affects people whom Tom sees mainly as part of his assignment.
Tom benefits from her illness because it makes his work seem urgent and generous. It also shows how little his later forgeries consider their recipients.
How the book draws them
- Seriously illHer health is one reason Herbert wants Dickie home.
- Absent from ItalyShe is known through family concern rather than direct action.
- Part of Dickie's obligationHer condition adds weight to the return he postpones.
- Vulnerable to forged newsLetters determine what the family can know across the Atlantic.
Dickie never returns. Tom's forged letters help determine what the family believes.
Her family ultimately accepts the forged will that makes Tom Dickie's heir.
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