Crome Yellow · Chapter
X explained
Denis lies awake tormented by his feelings for Anne and his own self-consciousness, then endures a painful evening of dancing at Crome where he watches Anne dance with Gombauld while he pretends to read, is interrogated by Mary, and overhea
What happens
Denis lies awake tormented by his feelings for Anne and his own self-consciousness, then endures a painful evening of dancing at Crome where he watches Anne dance with Gombauld while he pretends to read, is interrogated by Mary, and overhears Mr. Barbecue-Smith and Priscilla discussing optimism and spirituality.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Sexual Repression
Denis's agonizing desire for Anne, his jealousy watching her dance with Gombauld, and his inability to express his feelings are central to the chapter.
Self-Consciousness and Identity
Denis's acute self-awareness—feeling 'wild inside' but 'hopelessly tame' outwardly, and his reflection on being born with 'a different face'—highlights his identity crisis.
Intellectual vs. Physical Life
Denis's retreat into reading and poetry contrasts with the physical, harmonious dancing of Anne and Gombauld, and Mr. Barbecue-Smith's abstract spiritual talk versus the bodily dance music.
Characters to notice
- Denis
Lies awake composing a poem about his nameless misery; later sits glumly pretending to read while watching Anne dance with Gombauld, feeling inwardly wild but outwardly tame.
- Anne
Dances harmoniously with Gombauld, then asks Uncle Henry for a waltz.
- Gombauld
Dances with Anne as a single harmonious creature; described as having a face of brass.
- Mary
Breaks from dancing with Mr. Scogan to interrogate Denis about his reading and his favorite contemporary poet.
- Henry Wimbush
Plays the pianola with serene patience, treading out dance music and changing rolls when asked.
- Priscilla Wimbush
Sits by the fireplace discussing higher things with Mr. Barbecue-Smith, including optimism and the Einstein theory's effect on horoscopes.
Key passages
“I do not know what I desire When summer nights are dark and still, When the wind's many-voicèd choir Sleeps among the muffled branches. I long and know not what I will: And not a sound of life or laughter stanches Time's black and silent flow. I do not know what I desire, I do not know.”
Denis writes a poem expressing his confusion and longing, feeling unable to name or satisfy his desires.
This poem captures Denis's emotional turmoil and his attempt to articulate his misery through art.
“Why was he born with a different face? Why was he? Gombauld had a face of brass—one of those old, brazen rams that thumped against the walls of cities till they fell. He was born with a different face—a woolly face.”
Denis contrasts his own timid, passive nature with Gombauld's bold, forceful masculinity, feeling inferior and alienated.
This metaphor highlights Denis's self-consciousness and his perception of a fundamental difference between himself and others.
“Blight, Mildew, and Smut,”
When Mary asks which contemporary poet he likes best, Denis sarcastically answers with the names of wheat diseases.
Denis's curt reply shows his irritation with Mary's intrusive questioning and his desire to be left alone.