# X: Post Mortem explained — Decline and Fall

> Chapter companion for Decline and Fall by Evelyn Waugh.

## What happens

After the sports day, Dr. Fagan, his daughters, Paul, and Grimes discuss the day's disappointments, including Mr. Prendergast's argument with Mr. Cholmondley about rood-screens and Lady Circumference's inappropriate speech. Later, Paul and Grimes reflect on the event at the inn, where Paul reveals his growing interest in Margot Beste-Chetwynde, and Grimes teases him about being in love.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Snobbery

Lady Circumference's speech and Dr. Fagan's reactions illustrate class distinctions and snobbery among the attendees.

### Hypocrisy and Corruption

The argument over rood-screens masks underlying racial prejudice, and Grimes' manipulation of the band members shows moral corruption.

### Colonialism and Racism

The use of racial slurs and the conflict with Mr. Cholmondley reveal ingrained racism and colonial attitudes.

## Character check-ins

### Dr. Fagan

Expresses disappointment in the sports day and criticizes Lady Circumference's speech.

### Paul Pennyfeather

Shows a subdued mood after the sports day and reveals his curiosity about Margot Beste-Chetwynde.

### Captain Grimes

Tries to cheer Paul up and teases him about being in love with Margot.

### Mr. Prendergast

Becomes agitated after his argument with Mr. Cholmondley, then recovers and canes twenty-three boys.

### Flossie Fagan

Mentions Mr. Cholmondley's invitation to Reigate and her refusal.

### Dingy

Comments on the day's events and criticizes Mr. Cholmondley.

## Key lines

> I didn’t like Lady Circumference’s speech... I thought her reference to the Five Furlong race positively brutal.

Flossie criticizes Lady Circumference's speech, finding her comment about the race harsh.

_Highlights social insensitivity and class tensions._

> I say, Grimes, what d’you suppose the relationship is between Mrs. Beste-Chetwynde and that nigger?

Paul asks Grimes about the nature of Margot's relationship with Mr. Cholmondley.

_Reveals Paul's curiosity and the racial prejudices of the time._

> Old boy, you’re in love.

Grimes teases Paul, claiming he is in love with Margot.

_Foreshadows Paul's romantic interest in Margot._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/decline_and_fall_se/chapters/part-i-x-post-mortem
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/decline_and_fall_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/decline_and_fall_se/chapters