# In and Out explained — Armed with Madness

> Chapter companion for Armed with Madness by Mary Butts.

## What happens

Carston seeks spiritual counsel from a vicar regarding the mysterious cup and his feelings for Scylla Taverner, while Picus and the vicar discuss the moral and philosophical implications of their quest. Meanwhile, Felix awakens in Paris, determined to find Boris, a young Russian he met the previous night, and searches through the city's shabby hotels.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Search for Meaning and Transcendence

Carston, Picus, and the vicar grapple with the cup's significance, moral search, and the nature of reality.

### Post-War Disillusionment and Alienation

Boris's impoverished, rootless existence in Paris and the characters' spiritual uncertainties reflect post-war disillusionment.

### Sexuality and Desire

The love triangle between Carston, Picus, and Scylla, as well as Felix's pursuit of Boris, highlight complex desires.

## Character check-ins

### Dudley Carston

Consults the vicar about the cup and his love for Scylla; experiences a state of wonder and moral clarity.

### Picus

Accompanies Carston to the vicar; discusses the cup, his father, and his complicated feelings for Scylla.

### Felix Taverner

Wakes in Paris feeling healthy and determined to find Boris; searches through hotels for him.

### Boris

Wakes in a cheap Paris hotel room; reflects on his poverty and his curiosity about Felix.

### Scylla Taverner

Mentioned as the object of both Carston's and Picus's affections; described as having had a hard life.

## Key lines

> This story as I see it," said the second old man, "is true Sanc-Grail. The cup may have been an ashtray in a Cairo club. But it seems to me that you are having something like a ritual. A find, illumination, doubt, and division, collective and then dispersed.

The vicar suggests that the events surrounding the cup follow the pattern of a Grail legend, regardless of the cup's mundane origins.

_The vicar interprets the group's experiences as a modern Grail quest._

> He was in a state of consciousness unique to him. Not vision, but wonder become a state, an impregnation of being: that excited and held him in absolute rest.

Carston experiences a profound, still state of wonder that transforms his perception.

_Carston's moment of transcendence._

> I administer formulæ and recall memories—that work and still live. In what lies the scientific triumph but that its formulæ work?

The vicar compares religious rituals to scientific formulas, both effective in their own domains.

_The vicar defends the efficacy of religious practice._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/armed_with_madness_se/chapters/in-and-out
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/armed_with_madness_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/armed_with_madness_se/chapters