# XXI explained — Antic Hay

> Chapter companion for Antic Hay by Aldous Huxley.

## What happens

Gumbril returns to Mrs. Viveash, who is suffering from a headache. He reveals that Emily has vanished and he plans to leave for Paris the next morning on business for his pneumatic trousers. They embark on a farewell tour of London, visiting Gumbril Senior, who has sold his model of London to buy back Porteous's books. The chapter ends with them driving to see Shearwater in his laboratory.

## Themes in this chapter

### Modern Ennui and Disillusionment

Gumbril and Mrs. Viveash's restless journey through London and their conversation about emptiness and escape reflect a deep sense of ennui.

### Commerce and Commodification

Gumbril's business trip for pneumatic trousers and the sale of Gumbril Senior's model for money highlight the commodification of art and invention.

## Character check-ins

### Theodore Gumbril

Returns to Mrs. Viveash, reveals Emily's disappearance, and plans to leave for Paris.

### Myra Viveash

Suffering from a headache, she listens to Gumbril's talk and later joins him on a farewell tour.

### Gumbril Senior

Visited by Gumbril and Mrs. Viveash; reveals he sold his model of London to buy back Porteous's books.

### Shearwater

Mentioned as the destination for the final ride—to his laboratory.

## Key lines

> Well, here I am again.

Gumbril announces his return to Mrs. Viveash.

_Opens the chapter with Gumbril's arrival._

> I propose to leave the country tomorrow morning.

Gumbril states his plan to depart for Paris.

_Reveals his intention to escape after Emily's disappearance._

> I didn't want to blare it about in front of strangers, but the fact is, I've sold it.

Gumbril Senior confesses he sold his model of London to the Victoria and Albert Museum.

_Explains the sacrifice made to help Porteous._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/antic_hay_se/chapters/xxi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/antic_hay_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/antic_hay_se/chapters