Chapter 26
A Shocking Proposal About Inheritance
EVELINA TO THE REV. MR. VILLARS Howard Grove, April 27. O MY dear Sir, I now write in the greatest uneasiness! Madame Duval has made a proposal which terrifies me to death, and which was as unexpected as it is shocking. She had been employed for some hours this afternoon in reading letters from London: and, just about tea-time, she sent for me into her room, and said, with a look of great satisfaction, "Come here, child, I've got some very good news to tell you: something that will surprise you, I'll give you my word, for you ha'n't no…
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Critical Thinking Exercise
Map the Hidden Agendas
Create a simple chart listing each person involved in Madame Duval's plan. For each person, write what they claim they want versus what they might actually want. Then identify who has the most to gain and who has the most to lose if the plan succeeds.
Consider:
- •Look beyond what people say to what actions would benefit them personally
- •Consider how each person's past experiences might influence their current motivations
- •Notice who is asking what Evelina wants versus who is telling her what she should want
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when someone offered to help you with something, but you sensed they had their own agenda. How did you handle it, and what did you learn about recognizing genuine support versus weaponized advocacy?
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