Coming to a Standstill explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Justice and Morality

  Robert seeks justice for George, but Harcourt Talboys' moral rigidity and refusal to act obstruct the pursuit of truth.

• Identity and Self

  Harcourt Talboys' identity is defined by his vanity and inflexibility; Clara's identity is suppressed under her father's authority.

Characters to notice

• Robert Audley

  Visits Harcourt Talboys to plead for help in finding George, but is rebuffed and decides to give up the search.

• Mr. Harcourt Talboys

  Refuses to believe George is dead, insisting his disappearance is a conspiracy to manipulate him; displays cold vanity and obstinacy.

• Clara Talboys

  George's sister, present during the interview; remains silent and still, though Robert notes her resemblance to George.

Key passages

• “The father's dignity seemed a very small thing to him when he thought of the possible causes of the son's disappearance.”

  Robert found Harcourt Talboys' self-importance trivial compared to the serious mystery of George's fate.

  Highlights Robert's growing disillusionment with authority.

• “I still think, as I thought before, that my son is alive, and that his disappearance is a conspiracy against myself. I decline to become the victim of that conspiracy.”

  Harcourt Talboys insists George is hiding to manipulate him and refuses to be tricked.

  Reveals the father's narcissistic interpretation of events.

• “From this moment I wash my hands of this business. From this moment the purpose of my life shall be to forget it.”

  Robert declares he will abandon the investigation and try to erase the matter from his mind.

  Marks a turning point in Robert's resolve.