Downstream · Chapter
III: The Angel of Death explained
Hedvig and Percy's marriage remains unconsummated during their time in a Swiss sanatorium, where Hedvig uses Percy's illness to maintain control and distance.
What happens
Hedvig and Percy's marriage remains unconsummated during their time in a Swiss sanatorium, where Hedvig uses Percy's illness to maintain control and distance. After Percy's health improves, he surprises her with a trip to Spain, where their relationship briefly ignites with passion. However, back at Selambshof, Hedvig's old fears and loneliness resurface, and she begins to resent Percy's extravagant art purchases. She visits Peter to express her anxiety about Percy's behavior, revealing her inner turmoil and the lingering influence of the Selamb family spirit.
Themes in this chapter
Sexuality and Repression
Hedvig's repression of her sexuality is central: she denies Percy physical intimacy for years, only to later unleash her desires in a passionate night, then revert to bitterness and control.
Death and Mortality
The chapter is saturated with death imagery: the bottle with a death's head, the 'Angel of Death' title, Percy's declining health, and Hedvig's preemptive widowhood.
Family Dysfunction and Betrayal
Hedvig's visit to Peter reveals the dysfunctional Selamb family dynamics, with Peter's cold scrutiny and Hedvig's reliance on the 'Selamb family spirit' for sanction.
Characters to notice
- Hedvig
Hedvig struggles with her role as a nurse and wife, using Percy's illness to maintain emotional distance while secretly enjoying his longing. She later experiences a resurgence of passion in Spain but becomes consumed by jealousy and anxiety over Percy's art obsession.
- Percy Hill
Percy is a convalescent whose health improves enough to travel. He surprises Hedvig with a trip to Spain, where their relationship briefly becomes passionate. Back home, he indulges in buying art, leading to conflict with Hedvig.
- Peter Selamb
Peter has aged and appears flabby and yellow. He meets Hedvig at Selambshof, showing a cold, familiar, and insolent demeanor. He listens to her concerns about Percy with a mix of sympathy and hidden amusement.
- Laura
Laura is mentioned as the sister Hedvig used to spy on with Herman, and as the one who recommended lawyer Levy to Hedvig.
- Jacob Levy
Levy is the lawyer appointed by Hedvig on Laura's recommendation to manage her personal estate, including shares in Selambshof. Peter dislikes his supervision.
Key passages
“Think of your fever, she said, and withdrew gently from his delicate approaches. It is your duty to get well, Percy dear.”
Hedvig used Percy's illness as an excuse to avoid physical intimacy, framing her refusal as a caring act for his health.
Illustrates Hedvig's manipulation of Percy's condition to maintain control.
“She had a savage pleasure in standing there in the cold wind and letting loose all the black hot gusts.”
Hedvig found a dark enjoyment in recalling her passionate memories from Spain while standing in the cold autumn air.
Highlights the contrast between her repressed life and her inner turmoil.
“She wore an expression as if the crepe were already floating round her. Yes, Percy thought sometimes that she assumed her widowhood in advance.”
Hedvig acted as if she were already a widow, anticipating Percy's death with a mournful demeanor.
Shows Hedvig's preoccupation with death and her role as a martyr.