Can Such Things Be? · Chapter
IV: An Explanation from the Tomb explained
Excerpts from Hugh Morgan's diary reveal his observations of strange phenomena, including a dog's unusual behavior, stars being eclipsed by an invisible object, and mysterious footprints.
What happens
Excerpts from Hugh Morgan's diary reveal his observations of strange phenomena, including a dog's unusual behavior, stars being eclipsed by an invisible object, and mysterious footprints. He theorizes about sounds and colors beyond human perception, ultimately concluding that the 'Damned Thing' is of a color invisible to the human eye.
Themes in this chapter
Madness and Perception
Hugh Morgan grapples with the fear of madness as he experiences phenomena beyond normal human senses, questioning whether his experiences are real or delusional.
The Uncanny and the Grotesque
The invisible, intangible 'Damned Thing' represents an uncanny presence that defies natural understanding, haunting Morgan through footprints and eclipsing stars.
Isolation and Terror
Morgan's solitary vigil and his desperate attempts to rationalize the inexplicable underscore his growing terror and isolation.
Characters to notice
- Hugh Morgan
The diary author who records his terrifying experiences and theories about imperceptible phenomena.
- Mr. Harker
Invited by Hugh Morgan to stay with him, as Morgan hopes Harker's level head will help judge his sanity.
Key passages
“Can a dog see with his nose? Do odors impress some cerebral centre with images of the thing that emitted them?”
Morgan wonders if a dog's sense of smell can create mental images of the source of an odor.
Reflects Morgan's scientific curiosity about sensory perception beyond human norms.
“If these amazing experiences are real I shall go mad; if they are fanciful I am mad already.”
Morgan fears that whether his experiences are real or imaginary, the outcome is insanity.
Highlights the theme of madness and the fragility of perception.
“There are sounds that we cannot hear. At either end of the scale are notes that stir no chord of that imperfect instrument, the human ear.”
Morgan posits that some sounds exist beyond the range of human hearing.
Introduces his theory of imperceptible stimuli, leading to the revelation about the Damned Thing.
“And, God help me! the Damned Thing is of such a color!”
Morgan realizes that the invisible entity haunting him is of a color beyond human sight.
Climactic revelation that explains the mystery of the invisible presence.