# VI explained — Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime and Other Stories

> Chapter companion for Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime and Other Stories by Oscar Wilde.

## What happens

Lord Arthur and Sybil marry three weeks later at St. Peter's, surrounded by fashionable society. Years later, with two children, Lady Windermere visits and questions their happiness. Lord Arthur reveals he believes in cheiromancy because it led him to Sybil.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Sacrifice

Arthur's suffering for Sybil's sake is rewarded with lasting happiness and family.

### Irony and Absurdity

Arthur credits cheiromancy for his happiness, despite the earlier absurd and dark events it set in motion.

## Character check-ins

### Lord Arthur Savile

Now married to Sybil, father of two, still believes cheiromancy brought him happiness.

### Sybil Merton

Now Lady Arthur, content in her marriage and family.

### Lady Windermere

Visits Alton Priory, dismisses cheiromancy and prefers telepathy.

### Mr. Septimus R. Podgers

Mentioned by Lady Windermere as a dreadful impostor who made love to her.

## Key lines

> Never for a single moment did Lord Arthur regret all that he had suffered for Sybil’s sake, while she, on her side, gave him the best things a woman can give to any man⁠—worship, tenderness, and love.

Arthur never regretted his past trials for Sybil, and she gave him devotion, gentleness, and love.

_Highlights the mutual fulfillment in their marriage._

> For them romance was not killed by reality. They always felt young.

Their love remained idealistic and youthful despite the passage of time.

_Contrasts with the theme of appearance vs. reality._

> I owe to it all the happiness of my life

Arthur claims cheiromancy is responsible for his entire happiness.

_Ironic given the earlier murder plot triggered by palm reading._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lord_arthur_savile_s_crime_and_other_stories_se/chapters/vi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lord_arthur_savile_s_crime_and_other_stories_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lord_arthur_savile_s_crime_and_other_stories_se/chapters