# XLVII: The 'Endless Ending' explained — Lilith

> Chapter companion for Lilith by George MacDonald.

## What happens

Mr. Vane reflects on his continued separation from Lona, finding solace in Mara's teachings. He questions whether his waking experiences are still part of a dream, and contemplates the nature of dreams, reality, and divine creation. He has not sought the mirror again, and waits patiently for his final awakening, trusting in a greater truth beyond the present life.

## Themes in this chapter

### Illusion and Reality

Vane questions whether his waking life is still a dream, blurring the boundaries between dream and reality.

### Death and Rebirth

Vane waits for his 'change' and final awakening, suggesting a transition from death to a truer life.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Vane

Narrates his ongoing wait for Lona and his philosophical reflections on dreams and reality.

### Mara

Is much with Vane, teaching him many things.

### Lona

Not yet found; Vane longs for her.

### Hope

Personified as an inner voice that reassures Vane about the origin and truth of his dreams.

## Key lines

> Can it be that that last waking also was in the dream? that I am still in the chamber of death, asleep and dreaming, not yet ripe enough to wake?

Could it be that my last moment of waking was itself part of a dream, and I am still lying in the death-chamber, not yet ready to truly wake?

_Vane questions the nature of his perceived awakenings._

> Man dreams and desires; God broods and wills and quickens. When a man dreams his own dream, he is the sport of his dream; when Another gives it him, that Other is able to fulfil it.

Humans dream and wish; God contemplates, intends, and brings to life. If a person dreams their own dream, they are at the mercy of it; but if God gives the dream, He can make it come true.

_Vane distinguishes between self-generated dreams and divinely inspired visions._

> I have never again sought the mirror. The hand sent me back: I will not go out again by that door!

I have not looked into the mirror again. The hand that pushed me back has taught me not to use that door again.

_Vane resolves not to use the mirror as a gateway again._

> All the days of my appointed time will I wait till my change come.

I will wait patiently for all the days I am allotted until my transformation arrives.

_Vane expresses patient waiting for his final transformation._

> Our life is no dream, but it should and will perhaps become one.

Our life is not a dream, but it ought to and perhaps will become one.

_Vane quotes Novalis on the potential dreamlike nature of life._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lilith_se/chapters/xlvii-the-endless-ending
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lilith_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lilith_se/chapters