Decline and Fall · Chapter
XIII: The Passing of a Public School Man explained
Captain Grimes marries Flossie Fagan in a subdued ceremony at Llanabba.
What happens
Captain Grimes marries Flossie Fagan in a subdued ceremony at Llanabba. The marriage quickly sours under Dr. Fagan's condescension, and Grimes becomes despondent. Philbrick is discovered to be a con artist and flees arrest. Grimes disappears, leaving clothes on the seashore and a note suggesting suicide.
Themes in this chapter
Marriage as Transaction
Grimes and Flossie's marriage is a practical arrangement, devoid of romance, quickly soured by Dr. Fagan's control.
Hypocrisy and Corruption
Philbrick's con artistry and Grimes's bigamy reveal the moral rot beneath Llanabba's respectable surface.
Social Class and Snobbery
Dr. Fagan's snobbery crushes Grimes's self-esteem, highlighting class-based cruelty within the school hierarchy.
Characters to notice
- Captain Grimes
Marries Flossie, then becomes increasingly depressed under Dr. Fagan's treatment; disappears and is presumed dead.
- Flossie Fagan
Bride of Grimes; handles the marriage and Grimes's disappearance with pragmatic composure.
- Paul Pennyfeather
Acts as best man; observes Grimes's decline and Philbrick's exposure.
- Mr. Prendergast
Gives away the bride; worries about Grimes's changed demeanor.
- Philbrick
Flees Llanabba ahead of arrest for false pretences and impersonation.
- Dr. Fagan
Arranges the marriage with minimal enthusiasm; his condescension contributes to Grimes's despair.
Key passages
“I don’t suppose that their children will be terribly attractive”
Beste-Chetwynde dismisses the couple's future offspring as likely unattractive.
Shows the casual snobbery and lack of sentiment among the boys.
“Those that live by the flesh shall perish by the flesh.”
Grimes's suicide note echoes a biblical warning about worldly indulgence.
Underlines the theme of futility and Grimes's tragic end.
“I think he really believes his tale ’isself.”
The detective suggests Philbrick genuinely believes his own impersonations.
Highlights the theme of identity and self-deception.