The Rainbow: Chapter 15: The Bitterness of Ecstasy Summary & Analysis

Ursula begins her college studies at the same time Gudrun enrolls in Nottingham’s art school, where she quickly excels in sculpture. Gudrun’s artistic talent flourishes, but Ursula is less passionate about her academic studies as time progresses. Initially, she immerses herself in arranging her family’s new home in Beldover and eagerly anticipates her new life as a college student. She soon befriends Dorothy Russell, an ambitious young woman from Florence who is deeply involved with the Women’s Social and Political Union. The two women bond over their progressive ideals, and Ursula finds herself swept up in Dorothy’s passion for women’s rights and political activism. This friendship offers Ursula intellectual stimulation that she feels is lacking in her academic environment.

After completing her first year, the Brangwen family takes a month-long holiday to the coast of Scarborough. The vacation is a welcome escape from school, and Ursula enjoys the time away with her family. Once the holiday is over, Ursula visits Tom Jr. and Winifred. However, what she perceives as their mundane domestic life disappoints her. Tom Jr., once a figure of excitement and adventure in Ursula’s eyes, now seems consumed by the daily routines of marriage and fatherhood. This visit reinforces her growing disillusionment with traditional domestic roles, deepening her internal conflict about what she truly wants from life.

As Ursula enters her third year of college, Anton reenters her life. He tells her that he will soon be deployed to India for a military assignment, which sparks a wave of emotions in Ursula. Although she has been absorbed in her studies and friendships, she realizes that she still harbors deep feelings for Anton. During a walk, she admits that she has always loved him. In response, Anton proposes marriage, but Ursula is hesitant. Her feelings for Anton are genuine, but she is unsure about the institution of marriage and whether it aligns with her desire for independence and self-fulfillment.

Despite her reservations, Ursula and Anton grow closer, and they embark on a trip to London, where they pose as a married couple. The trip is an adventure filled with moments of intimacy, but it also reveals the growing emotional distance between them. While Anton is deeply in love with Ursula, he begins to sense that she is unsure about their future. After London, the couple travels to Paris and then Rouen, where they explore cathedrals and experience the beauty of France.

However, Anton becomes increasingly aware of Ursula’s detachment. Though they are physically close, Anton realizes that she does not fully want him in the way that he desires her. He is unsure of what Ursula truly wants from life, but he senses that it may not involve him. This realization creates an undercurrent of tension in their relationship, though Anton continues to hold on to the hope that they will marry and build a life together.

When they return to England, Anton’s behavior starts to change. He begins drinking heavily and using alcohol as a way to cope with his growing frustration and uncertainty. Despite the emotional distance between them, Anton brings Ursula to a friend’s house near Oxford, where he officially proposes with an emerald ring. Ursula accepts the proposal, but their relationship starts to unravel shortly afterward. They argue more frequently, often over politics. Ursula expresses disdain for democracy, declaring that only the greedy and the ugly rise to the top in democratic societies. Anton, who comes from a military background and has a more traditional worldview, is disturbed that she has such a negative view of modern society. He feels increasingly alienated from her views, and their political arguments become a regular source of tension between them.

At the same time, Anton begins flirting with other women, including Gudrun. The flirtation with Gudrun infuriates Ursula, and the couple’s arguments escalate. In an attempt to reconcile, Ursula and Anton spend a weekend together at Dorothy’s cottage in Sussex. During this trip, they swim naked in the ocean and spend the night outdoors. For a moment, Ursula experiences a fleeting sense of freedom and closeness with Anton, but the tension soon returns. When they come back to London, Ursula decides to end the engagement. She feels trapped and no longer believes in their future together.

However, when Anton breaks down in tears, overcome with grief at the thought of losing her, Ursula is deeply affected. Seeing Anton’s vulnerability causes her to reconsider her decision. She is not sure whether she loves him, but she does not want to hurt him. Despite this moment of emotional connection, their physical relationship continues to deteriorate. Ursula finds their sexual encounters increasingly unbearable. When they are together at a friend’s party in Lincolnshire, Ursula realizes that their intimacy has become a source of pain rather than joy. She feels emotionally and physically detached from Anton, and their time together feels more like a burden than a pleasure.

The final breaking point comes the next morning, when Ursula breaks off the engagement entirely. She tells Anton that their relationship has been a failure, and she can no longer continue pretending that things will improve. Anton is devastated, but there is a part of him that knows she is right; he can no longer pretend that they are a good match. Despite his heartbreak, Anton quickly moves on. Unable to face the emotional darkness that haunts him at night, he marries another woman within weeks of breaking up with Ursula. His new wife is the daughter of his Colonel, and he believes that marrying her will provide him with the stability and escape he desperately seeks.