Crome Yellow · Chapter
Mr. Barbecue-Smith Arrives explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Barbecue-Smith, a popular writer of spiritual comfort books, arrives at Crome and is warmly received by Priscilla. He reveals to Denis his method of automatic writing, claiming to channel inspiration from the Infinite through his subconscious. Denis is both amused and insulted by the comparison of their literary work. The chapter satirizes Barbecue-Smith's self-importance and his mechanical approach to creativity.
Themes in this chapter
Art and Artifice
Contrasts Barbecue-Smith's mechanical, commercial approach to writing with Denis's more laborious and artistic sensibility.
Self-Consciousness and Identity
Denis feels humiliated and self-conscious when compared to Barbecue-Smith, highlighting his insecurity as a writer.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Barbecue-Smith
Arrives at Crome, boasts about his automatic writing method and high word count, patronizes Denis.
- Denis
Is condescended to by Barbecue-Smith, feels insulted by the comparison, plays the piano awkwardly.
- Priscilla Wimbush
Welcomes Barbecue-Smith effusively, praises his book, introduces him to Denis as a fellow writer.
- Anne
Defends Denis by calling him a poet, smiles at his discomfort.
Key passages
“The Mountain Road may be steep, but the air is pure up there, and it is from the Summit that one gets the view.”
Difficult paths lead to clearer perspectives.
One of Barbecue-Smith's aphorisms, which Denis finds trite and repetitive.
“Seeing is Believing. Yes, but Believing is also Seeing. If I believe in God, I see God, even in the things that seem to be evil.”
Faith shapes perception, allowing one to see the divine even in apparent evil.
Barbecue-Smith considers this his most subtle and beautiful aphorism.
“The flame of a candle gives Light, but it also Burns.”
Enlightenment can also cause harm or discomfort.
Barbecue-Smith admits he doesn't fully understand this gnomic saying.