# XIII: The Passing of a Public School Man explained — Decline and Fall

> Chapter companion for Decline and Fall by Evelyn Waugh.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/decline_and_fall_se/chapters/part-i-xiii-the-passing-of-a-public-school-man
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/decline_and_fall_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/decline_and_fall_se/chapters