# Chapter XXVII explained — Festus

> Chapter companion for Festus by Philip James Bailey.

## What happens

Elissa, alone in a garden by the sea, longs for Festus and feels she is dying. Lucifer appears, revealing himself as the morning and evening star, and declares that she must die, having served his purpose. Festus arrives as Elissa dies, and he renounces Lucifer forever.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Sacrifice

Elissa's love for Festus is so extreme that she feels death is the only fitting end, and she sacrifices her life for that love.

### The Nature of Evil and Temptation

Lucifer reveals his manipulative role, using Elissa as a vessel for sin and then discarding her, embodying the destructive nature of evil.

### Mortality and Immortality

Elissa's mortal death contrasts with Lucifer's immortal existence, and the chapter explores the transition from life to death and the soul's journey.

## Character check-ins

### Elissa

Elissa is alone, dying of longing for Festus, and confronts Lucifer before her death.

### Lucifer

Lucifer reveals his identity as the star and commands Elissa to die, having used her to tempt Festus.

### Festus

Festus arrives too late to see Elissa alive and renounces Lucifer in grief and anger.

## Key lines

> Could I love less I should be happier! But it is always to that mad extreme, That death alone appears the fitting finish To bliss like that my spirit presses for.

If I loved less, I would be happier, but my love is so intense that only death seems a suitable end for such bliss.

_Elissa expresses that her overwhelming love makes death seem the only appropriate conclusion._

> Thy death hall be as gentle as thy life. I will not hurt thee, for I loved thee once.

Your death will be as gentle as your life; I will not harm you because I once loved you.

_Lucifer promises Elissa a peaceful death, acknowledging his past affection for her._

> Now do I hate thee and renounce for ever!⁠— Abhor thee⁠—go!

Now I hate you and reject you forever! I loathe you—leave!

_Festus, upon discovering Elissa's death, curses Lucifer and drives him away._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/festus_se/chapters/xxvii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/festus_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/festus_se/chapters