In the Days of the Comet · Chapter
I: Love After the Change explained
After the Great Change, Willie Leadford reflects on his transformed perception of the world and encounters Nettie Stuart and Edward Verrall.
What happens
After the Great Change, Willie Leadford reflects on his transformed perception of the world and encounters Nettie Stuart and Edward Verrall. They discuss their past passions and actions with newfound clarity, acknowledging the madness that drove them. Willie accepts their love for each other, and they share a candid conversation about their former selves and the change that has renewed them.
Themes in this chapter
Transformation and Renewal
The Great Change brings a new clarity and moral awakening, transforming relationships and self-understanding.
Love and Jealousy
Willie's past jealousy and violent intentions are contrasted with his renewed, selfless love for Nettie.
Social Class and Inequality
Verrall discusses the narrowness of class shibboleths and the artificial constraints of gentlemanly behavior.
Characters to notice
- Willie Leadford
Narrator reflecting on the Change and his renewed love for Nettie.
- Nettie Stuart
Reappears transfigured; discusses her past choices and feelings with Willie.
- Edward Verrall
Accompanies Nettie; speaks of the Change's effect on his class identity and his bond with Nettie.
- Melmount
Mentioned as the person for whom Willie sends telegrams.
Key passages
“I wanted to kill you”
I intended to murder you.
Willie expresses his former murderous intent toward Nettie and Verrall, now seeming absurd.
“Something said 'Take her.' Everything. It was a raging desire—for her.”
An overwhelming impulse commanded me to possess her.
Verrall describes the compulsive passion that drove him before the Change.
“The same dark wave that lifted you, swept me on to follow.”
The same irrational force that carried you also propelled me.
Willie acknowledges that both he and Verrall were driven by uncontrollable instincts.