# X explained — Crome Yellow > Chapter companion for Crome Yellow by Aldous Huxley. ## 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. ## Character check-ins ### 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 lines > 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._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/crome_yellow_se/chapters/x - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/crome_yellow_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/crome_yellow_se/chapters