V explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Fear and Psychological Terror

  Vezin experiences intense psychological terror as he feels himself transforming, hears wailing cries, and is torn between dread and longing for the forbidden dance.

• The Nature of Reality and Perception

  The chapter blurs reality and hallucination: the town appears as a churchyard, Vezin sees flying shapes and a glowing valley, and his own impulses seem to transform him.

• Psychic Phenomena and Occultism

  The revival of an ancient tie through a kiss, the use of salve, and the vision of a spectral dance all point to occult practices and psychic influence.

Characters to notice

• Arthur Vezin

  Vezin is overwhelmed by the realization that his kiss has revived an ancient tie; he experiences strange impulses and is drawn to the ramparts, where he sees the valley aglow and Ilsé urging him to join the dance.

• Mademoiselle Ilsé

  Ilsé appears on the ramparts beside Vezin, stained with dark substance, dressed in tatters, and anointed with salve; she points to the glowing forest and calls him to join the Great Dance.

• M'sieur

  The proprietress, referred to as M'sieur, confronts Vezin in the hall with a terrible dignity; she speaks sonorously and seizes his hands, calling for Ilsé.

Key passages

• “He understood at length that he had done the one thing necessary to call down upon him the whole force of this ancient Past. For in those passionate kisses he had acknowledged the tie of olden days, and had revived it.”

  Vezin realizes that by kissing Ilsé he has reactivated a bond from a previous life, summoning the full power of that forgotten era upon himself.

  This moment crystallizes the supernatural consequence of Vezin's actions, linking the kiss to the revival of an ancient curse or enchantment.

• “A strange impulse came to him, catching him somehow in the centre of his body—an impulse to drop upon all fours and run swiftly and silently. He glanced upwards and the idea came to him to leap up upon his windowsill overhead instead of going round by the stairs.”

  Vezin feels a bizarre urge to move like an animal, either on all fours or by leaping directly to his window, as if his human nature is beginning to change.

  This passage highlights the theme of psychological terror and the loss of human identity, as Vezin's instincts become increasingly bestial.

• “Spellbound, he stood and stared for a time that he could not measure. And then, moved by one of the terrible impulses that seemed to control the whole adventure, he climbed swiftly upon the top of the broad coping, and balanced a moment where the valley gaped at his feet.”

  Vezin is mesmerized by the vision of the glowing valley and, driven by an uncontrollable urge, climbs onto the wall's edge, poised to leap into the abyss.

  This scene underscores the theme of the power of mind and thought, as Vezin's will is overpowered by the enchantment of the place.