# IV: An Explanation from the Tomb explained — Can Such Things Be?

> Chapter companion for Can Such Things Be? by Ambrose Bierce.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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