Basil · Chapter
II explained
Basil questions Mr.
What happens
Basil questions Mr. Sherwin about his mysterious clerk, Mr. Mannion. Mr. Sherwin praises Mannion's efficiency and trustworthiness but admits he knows nothing of his past. Mrs. Sherwin shows a nervous aversion to Mannion, while Margaret seems indifferent. Basil becomes intrigued by the mystery surrounding Mannion and resolves to investigate him, even considering making Margaret his ally in this project.
Themes in this chapter
Secrecy and Deception
Mannion's mysterious past and his refusal to discuss his family affairs create an aura of secrecy that captivates Basil.
Social Class and Pride
Mannion's demeanor suggests he is above his current station, hinting at a fall from a higher social class.
Characters to notice
- Basil
Curious about Mannion's past, he questions Mr. Sherwin and decides to investigate the clerk's mystery.
- Mr. Sherwin
Praises Mannion as his indispensable factotum but admits he knows nothing about his clerk's history.
- Mrs. Sherwin
Shows a nervous shrinking and awestruck fear in Mannion's presence, displaying a strong dislike for him.
- Margaret Sherwin
Appears uninterested in the conversation about Mannion and retires early due to a headache.
- Robert Mannion
Described as having an impenetrable face and a gentlemanly manner that suggests he has descended from a higher station.
Key passages
“I can tell you there’s not a house of business in London has such a managing man as he is: he’s my factotum—my right hand, in short; and my left too, for the matter of that.”
Mr. Sherwin boasts that Mannion is the best manager in London, serving as his indispensable right-hand man.
Highlights Mannion's value and importance to Mr. Sherwin's business.
“He may be the Great Mogul himself, in disguise, for anything I care!”
Mr. Sherwin says he doesn't care who Mannion really is, even if he were a disguised emperor.
Shows Mr. Sherwin's indifference to Mannion's mysterious origins.
“There was the impenetrable face before you, wholly inexpressive—so inexpressive that it did not even look vacant—a mystery for your eyes and your mind to dwell on—hiding something; but whether vice or virtue you could not tell.”
Basil describes Mannion's face as an impenetrable mystery that hides something, but it's impossible to tell if it's good or evil.
Captures Basil's fascination and the central mystery of Mannion's character.