# IV: Nor Iron Bars a Cage explained — Decline and Fall

> Chapter companion for Decline and Fall by Evelyn Waugh.

## What happens

Paul Pennyfeather is transferred from Blackstone to Egdon Heath Penal Settlement, where he encounters Captain Grimes again. Paul learns of Margot's engagement to Maltravers and her son Peter's succession as Earl of Pastmaster. Margot visits Paul in prison, and their conversation reveals her growing social ostracism and her decision to marry Maltravers. Paul receives special privileges in prison, including fine books and food, apparently arranged by Margot.

## Themes in this chapter

### Hypocrisy and Corruption

The prison system is portrayed as inefficient and corrupt, with prisoners receiving special privileges like fine books and pâté de foie gras arranged by outside influence.

### Social Class and Snobbery

Margot's concern about being dropped by society figures like Lady Circumference highlights the importance of social standing and the consequences of scandal.

### Marriage as Transaction

Margot's decision to marry Maltravers is presented as a practical arrangement rather than a romantic choice, reflecting the transactional nature of marriage in high society.

## Character check-ins

### Paul Pennyfeather

Transferred to Egdon Heath Penal Settlement; receives special privileges and a visit from Margot; learns of her engagement to Maltravers.

### Captain Grimes

Also imprisoned at Egdon Heath; reveals he was arrested for bigamy after Flossie Fagan turned up; discusses his future after prison.

### Margot Beste-Chetwynde

Visits Paul in prison; announces her engagement to Sir Humphrey Maltravers; discusses her social ostracism and her son Peter's succession as Earl.

### Peter Beste-Chetwynde

Mentioned as succeeding his uncle as Earl of Pastmaster; his photograph appears in the newspaper.

### Mr. Prendergast

Mentioned as having been murdered; Grimes asks about him.

### Sir Humphrey Maltravers

Margot announces she will marry him.

## Key lines

> The granite walls of Egdon Heath Penal Settlement are visible, when there is no mist, from the main road, and it is not uncommon for cars to stop there a few moments while the occupants stand up and stare happily about them.

Tourists often stop to gawk at the prison, hoping to see convicts.

_Highlights the morbid curiosity of the public towards punishment._

> Paul sat back in the carriage for a long time looking at the photograph, while his companions played several hands of poker in reckless disregard of Standing Orders.

Paul stared at Margot's photo while other prisoners gambled, ignoring rules.

_Shows Paul's emotional distraction and the casual disregard for prison regulations._

> I think it's more than likely I shall have a fit,' said Margot. 'I've never felt so shy in my life. Paul, do say something, please.'

Margot expresses extreme discomfort during her prison visit.

_Reveals the awkwardness and emotional strain of their meeting._

> But Paul had very little appetite, for he was greatly pained at how little he was pained by the events of the afternoon.

Paul was disturbed by his own lack of emotional reaction to Margot's news.

_Illustrates Paul's emotional numbness and detachment._

## Links

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