# Journal explained — Basil

> Chapter companion for Basil by Wilkie Collins.

## What happens

Basil concludes his retrospective narrative and begins a journal to record his daily life in a remote Cornish fishing hamlet. He describes his isolation, the initial suspicion of the superstitious villagers, and his growing sense of alienation as they begin to shun him. His mental and physical health deteriorate, marked by feverish dreams and a profound longing for Clara, culminating in a doctor's visit and his fear of dying alone.

## Themes in this chapter

### Guilt and Redemption

Basil's journal reflects his ongoing guilt over past errors and his search for peace in isolation, while his deteriorating health suggests a struggle for redemption.

### Madness and Illness

Basil's physical and mental decline, including trembling, confusion, and feverish dreams, highlights the theme of illness and the fear of losing his sanity.

### The Ideal vs. The Real

Basil's idealized memories of Clara and home contrast with his grim reality of isolation and suspicion in Cornwall.

## Character check-ins

### Basil

Narrates his journal from Cornwall, reflecting on his past and recording his declining health and isolation.

### Clara

Basil's sister, whose memory and keepsake (a bookmarker) provide him comfort and hope.

### Robert Mannion

Mentioned as a living threat and a figure in Basil's feverish dreams, contributing to his torment.

### Ralph

Basil considers writing to him but hesitates, and Ralph appears in his dreams.

### The Doctor

Visits Basil during his illness, showing kindness but alarming him with his grave demeanor.

## Key lines

> I dare not look them over: I dare not read the lines which my own hand has traced.

I am afraid to review my own writing, fearing what it reveals.

_Basil's reluctance to revisit his past underscores his emotional turmoil._

> The fishermen of Cornwall still preserve almost all the superstitions, even to the grossest, which were held dear by their humble ancestors, centuries back.

The local fishermen cling to ancient superstitions passed down from their ancestors.

_Highlights the cultural setting and the villagers' suspicion of Basil._

> I have taken, as the assumed name under which I live, and shall continue to live until my father has given me back his confidence and his affection, the name of a little estate that once belonged to my mother, and that now belongs to her daughter.

I use a false name derived from my mother's estate, which now belongs to Clara, as a keepsake until my father forgives me.

_Shows Basil's connection to Clara and his hope for reconciliation._

> I feel as if my heart was wasting away. Oh! if I could only see Clara again.

My heart feels like it's fading; I long to see Clara once more.

_Expresses Basil's deep emotional and physical decline._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/basil_se/chapters/part-iii-journal
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/basil_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/basil_se/chapters